Lewis Hamilton’s younger brother Nicolas will this year become the first disabled driver to race in the British Touring Car Championship.
The 22-year-old, who has the neurological condition Cerebral Palsy, will enter five of the year’s 10 events in an ex-Rob Holland Audi S3.
Hamilton’s previous racing experience includes stints in the UK’s Renault Clio Cup and European Touring Car Cup.
“BTCC is the top national motorsport series here in the UK and having the opportunity to race at that level is the biggest challenge I’ve taken on in my career to date,” said Hamilton.
“I’m coming into the championship with a lot to learn and my expectations are to develop as a driver as my program across the season progresses.”
“Whilst I’m aiming to improve as a driver, I’m also hoping to inspire others to strive for their own personal goals, whatever their situation in life,” he added.
“Anyone can ‘exceed expectations’ in one way or another and I hope to prove that when I race alongside, not just able-bodied drivers, but the best touring car drivers in the UK.”
Hamilton’s first race will come at Croft in June before subsequent appearances at Snetterton, Rockingham, Silverstone and the Brands Hatch season finale.
The BTCC held its pre-season test at Donington Park on Tuesday, which saw the Volkswagen Passats of Jason Plato and Colin Turkington set the pace.
The two former champions have joined the BMR VW squad this year from the Triple Eight MG and West Surrey BMW squads respectively.
Mercedes A-Class runners Aiden Moffat and Adam Morgan were third and fourth respectively ahead of MG pair Jack Goff and Andrew Jordan.
The BTCC’s biggest off-season recruit, Andy Priaulx, missed the test due to a clashing BMW commitment.
The championship kicks off at Brand Hatch on April 4-5.
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