A fifth new team is set to appear in this year’s Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, after former racer Richard Marsh announced plans to race a Peugeot 307 run by ex-Renault Clio Cup squad Team Griffin Racing.

The team’s appearance would be in addition to fellow newcomers Team Eurotech, Motorbase Performance, Geoff Steel Racing and In-front Motorsport.

Marsh part-contesteded the 2004 BTCC in a 307, but has since been concentrating on building up his management consultancy business.

Ashbourne-based Marsh told btcc.net: “The 307 wasn’t developed to its full potential and I’ve got the engineer’s plans to show what else could have been done to improve it. I certainly expect to be in the mid-field."

The 38-year-old added: “I had been looking to do another championship, but it became clear for the same money it would be possible to enter the BTCC – the pinnacle really – and run at a decent level. The BTCC has got everything going for it and the live television on ITV1 is very attractive to sponsors looking for exposure. The BTCC is the place to be.”

Team principal Julian Griffin believes his Coventry-based squad can give a good account of itself in its debut BTCC season. The 307 he will run is an original BTC-spec car, not an upgrade of the sister model that his team entered in the club-level Britcar series in 2005.

Griffin said: “I’m delighted – my team has always prepared a good car and I’ve wanted to be in the BTCC for some time. Now, thanks to Richard, the deal has finally happened. It’s a big step up, but I think we can do a respectable job in our first season.

"It’s fair to say the 307 had its problems but we know we can get around that with some design work. Running in Britcar enabled us to understand a bit about the 307. Realistically, I think we can be mid-pack. Yes, this is a learning year, but I hope we can establish a strong BTCC team that will stay about.”