TH Motorsport to gain Carisma.

Watford-based TH Motorsport has confirmed that it will run a production class Mitsubishi Carisma in selected rounds of the 2002 British Touring Car Championship.

The team, which fielded a Proton Satria on a similar basis last year, announced the deal at the official launch day for the series, held at Brands Hatch today [Tuesday]. Backing for the venture comes from Caravell, with additional sponsorship to be confirmed shortly.

The arrangement will also see driver Steven Wood renewing his association with the team for a second year, having run with it n the BTCC in 2001.

"TH Motorsport gave me the opportunity to move up from the VW Cup to the BTCC last year, and I am very happy to further my career with the small, but very capable, team," he said.

Team principal Trevor Humphrey confirmed that Wood had been his first choice for the Mitsubishi seat this season, after showing he was able to run with the BTCP pack in 2001.

"Having proven his ability to win in the VW Cup, and having impressed the team with his performance and attitude on its BTCC debut, last year, he was our preferred choice for this year," Humphrey said.

"I am pleased that we have been able to conclude a deal which allows us to continue in the BTCC. We hope to run a second car later in the season, but this will depend on a number of factors, including sufficient funding and entry availability."

No date has yet been set for the Mitsubishi's debut.