Owy return confirmed.

Paul O'Neill is to make a return to the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at Thruxton after confirmation he will replace Tom Ferrier in the Motorbase Performance line-up.

O'Neill tested the team's SEAT Toledo last week at Snetterton and will now line up alongside Matt Allison for the final round of the season - which will make his first outing since the 2006 finale at Silverstone when he drove the Techspeed Vauxhall Astra.

"It's going to be difficult, if I'm honest," he admitted, "but the feedback I've had from people I know and even fans at the test at Snetterton has convinced me I should do this.

"I'm a) very determined and b) confident I can make the car go as quickly as it can. I like the way an S2000 cars drives. The gearbox feels better than those in the BTC-spec cars I've driven before and I also like way the back end moves around which will be a bonus at Thruxton. The Toledo turns in very well."

Having been unable to find a way back into the series on a full-time basis following his battle with diabetes, O'Neill will also aim to put on a good display to try and help secure a place on the grid for the 2008 season.

"The BTCC has given some of the best days of my entire life in and even though I've missed another year I feel I've still got something to offer," he said. "The BTCC is the best and for me I need to do it. I need to put myself on radar for next season. It will always be my first love."