Mazda UK is returning to the race track, entering a pair of Mazda MX-5 sportscars in the Britcar Production Sportscar Series event at Silverstone on Saturday 11 May.

Racing on Silverstone's nine-corner, 1.85-mile long International Circuit plays to the MX-5 sportscar's strengths of outstanding handling, 50:50 weight distribution and agility, especially through the corners. The second round of the Britcar Production Sportscar series poses an exciting proposition to defy convention, taking on the more powerful Porsche, Ginetta and Mazda teams contesting in the two 45-minute races.

This is the fifth time Mazda UK has entered Britcar and this year sees two regular experienced Mazda works drivers Mark Ticehurst, 42 from Hassocks, West Sussex and motoring journalist and racing driver Owen Mildenhall aged 40 from Bexleyheath, partnering up to drive the production MX 5 race cars with Motoring Research journalist Richard Aucock and previous Mazda MX-5 Britcar competitor, David Hooper from Wheel World Reviews.

Following a successful result in the 2011 Britcar Dunlop Production GTN Championship 2011, the MX-5 production race car secured three podium finishes, placing the car fourth in class and seventh overall for the 2011 season.

Prepared by Jota Sport, the MX-5 racecar duo are mechanically standard and feature safety modifications which include FIA-compliant racing seat and driver harness, full roll-cage, competition steering wheel and alloy wheels, fire extinguisher, external electric cut-off switches and safety catches on the bonnet and boot. Non-essential interior components are removed to reduce weight.