Neate bolsters Team Dynamics Honda ranks

Andy Neate has been unveiled as the third driver for Team Dynamics for the 2016 Dunlop British Touring Car Championship alongside defending champion Gordon Shedden and three-time champion Matt Neal.

The 41-year-old has been handed the final raace seat at the factory Honda squad after the team secured a third TOCA car licence in BTCC late in 2015. The team wrapped up the drivers' and manufacturers' titles last season with Shedden clinching a second championship by just four points from Jason Plato.

Neate has useful previous experience in BTCC having competed in the series for several years, most recently in 2013 with IP Tech in a Chevrolet Cruze. The English driver enjoyed his most successful BTCC campaign back in 2012 with MG KX Momentum Racing, when he bagged consecutive points finishes to end the championship 16th in the drivers' standings.

Neate is hoping his experience with previous BTCC squads will act as a useful platform to kick on from with the Honda Civic Type R as he prepares to return to the series after three years away.

"I've been involved with multiple teams in British Touring Cars and so bring with me a wealth of understanding and familiarity of the championship," Neate said. "I'm really excited to be working alongside two of the greats in Matt and Flash and it will be brilliant to have team mates that I can learn so much from.

"The car looked epic last year and I am sure this year will be no different. I can't wait to get behind the wheel and begin to support Honda in achieving back to back manufacturers' championships, and of course be challenging for those hard fought podiums."

James Rodgers, team manager, is thrilled to sign up Neate and sees him as a key member to help Team Dynamics defend its BTCC crowns in 2016.

"We are delighted to have signed Andy to take on the third car and help our team point scoring capabilities for this season," Rodgers said. "The trend for increasing numbers of cars in teams has meant we are very keen to bolster our presence on the grid this year. Andy joins the Honda works team with plenty of experience to build on and a hunger for podium places, which is just what we are after."

The wait is finally over. Join us in extending a warm welcome to our third driver for 2016, Mr @AndyNeate! #BTCC pic.twitter.com/MKOd4DyLd8-- Honda Yuasa Racing (@hondaracingbtcc) February 8, 2016