Welshman Matt Edwards will challenge for a third successive BRC title with the continued support of Yuasa who are also joined by TPS as a main sponsor for the upcoming season.
The reigning champion and co-driver Darren Garrod are set to pilot the all-new car at rounds across the England, Scotland and Wales as they challenge for another title following dominant championship wins in both 2018 and 2019.
The South Wales-based Melvyn Evans Motorsport-prepared Polo R5 replaces Matt’s previous challengers and is set to heavily feature the battery manufacturer’s branding and distinctive red, white and black colour scheme on a yet to be unveiled livery.
The 2021 season will be Matt’s sixth in the fiercely contested championship, claiming an incredible eight wins and 13 podiums in that time.
The team hope to tackle stages across the UK, Ireland and Belgium building on their successful start to the 2020 season after winning the Cambrian Rally in Llandudno before the season was unfortunately cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Joining the battery manufacturer in announcing their support for the reigning British Champion and the new Polo R5, is parts giant, TPS.
Established in 2007 to provide parts to the independent motor trade, TPS are a wholly-owned brand of Volkswagen Group UK. As well as stocking the full range of Yuasa batteries and an extensive all-makes Quantum consumables range, TPS are the number one trade provider of Volkswagen Group Genuine Parts for Volkswagen, SEAT, ŠKODA & Audi.
Yuasa will be joined once again by Swift with the leisure vehicle manufacturer’s branding appearing across the car – a nod to the close working relationship of both brands.
Jon Pritchard, General Sales & Marketing Manager at GS Yuasa Battery Sales UK said: “We’re pleased to continue our partnership with Matt and are keen to help him on his way as he challenges for a third title.
“Matt has shown incredible drive and determination since his win in Llandudno and we can’t wait to see him hit the stage in an all-new car for 2021!”
Michelle Masterton-Smith, Marketing & Communications Manager at TPS said “We’re delighted to be on board supporting Matt as he strives for his third title. Given Matt’s recent move to racing the Polo R5 the decision for TPS to sponsor Matt this season was an easy one.”
Matt added: “I’m thrilled to have Yuasa back on board as my title sponsor with TPS joining us for 2021. It’s been a difficult twelve months with minimal running as a result of the pandemic, however Yuasa’s support has never wavered.
“We’re entering the season in an all-new car but I’m confident in my skills and the car setup that I’ll be able to challenge from round one.”
The 2021 British Rally Championship is scheduled to get underway with round one in July.