News 2012: Michael Caine Interview January 2012

January 26th

The 2011 Dunlop British Touring Car Championship season was a mix of highs and lows for the Motorbase Performance team which saw the Kent based squad achieve their most successful finish to date.

In the third of a short series of interviews, we catch up with BTCC rookie, Porsche Carrera Cup veteran and all round nice guy Michael Caine as he takes a look back at his 2011 season, including his debut in the BTCC.

MP: On reflection, how do you feel about your debut performance in the BTCC this season?

MC: I think it was an ok start but the school report would have said Michael got off to a good start but should have got better grades! He kept getting involved with all the schools troublemakers and needs to qualify better to play with the head boys!

MP: Both you and Tim Harvey struggled with the new car in the Carrera Cup this year, why do you think this was?

MC: The new Porsche was a real challenge but the boys showed that they could sort it towards the end of the season with all the Motorbase drivers getting good results.

MP: How did you find the switch back to front wheel drive after competing in the Carrera Cup for the last few years?

MC: I actually thought that the Focus would be a lot harder to drive than the Porsche, but hey; any Motorbase car is a pleasure to drive; even the VW caddy looks fast!

MP: What would you say were the stand out moments of the season for you in the Carrera Cup and BTCC....both good and bad?

MC: Best moment had to be the phone call from Mr Bartrum to say I was in the touring car for Rockingham!

MP: How did you find the BTCC fans reaction to you joining the grid midway through the season...was it much different from the Carrera Cup?

MC: Everybody was great and welcomed me in touring cars from the team to the fans. So much so in fact, most of the drivers wanted to touch me when we were racing! Even that Collard is a nice chap, contrary to popular belief!

MP: What goals are you setting yourself for the 2012 season?

MC: Hopes for 2012 are to go racing with Motorbase and to try and get a Michael Caine motorsport rear window sticker into the back of Plato's new MG!