ROKiT MB Motorsport are thrilled to welcome pioneering race driver Charlie Martin to the team as its Official Development Driver throughout the 2022 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, as part of an exciting new partnership with ek robotics - the industry leaders in transport robotics.
Charlie brings a wealth of GT and endurance experience to the team, including in BMW machinery in the revered Nurburgring 24 Hours endurance race, the Nurburgring Endurance Series (NLS) and ADAC GT4 Germany.
In 2021, Charlie enjoyed domestic success in the Britcar Endurance Championship - taking her Praga R1 to class victory at Silverstone before claiming three further podium finishes throughout the season.
Charlie's new role is just one element of an exciting new partnership with ek robotics that will see her test the team's BMW 330e M Sport - run by 15-time BTCC champions WSR. Boasting more than 50 years of experience across the entire life cycle of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), ek robotics have installed more than 1,000 systems and delivered over 10,000 vehicles all across Europe.
As the BTCC enters an exciting new era as it switches to hybrid power, ROKiT MB Motorsport is preparing for its third year in the championship and is delighted to be working alongside both Charlie and ek robotics in 2022. With ek robotics committed to empowering change throughout their industry, be that through adopting greener business processes or fostering inclusivity across its workforce - these principles of equality and opportunity underpin the partnership.
“I’m really excited to team up with ROKiT MB Motorsport alongside my valued partners, ek robotics,” Charlie said. “The BTCC is the UK's most prestigious racing championship so it is a real privilege to work with one of its most successful outfits. To be given the opportunity to work with the team and get behind the wheel as the BTCC embarks on its greenest season yet is a fantastic opportunity for me.
"I'd like to say a huge thank to everyone at ek robotics. This is a brilliant opportunity and they've helped to make it possible - it's a pleasure to work with them and I'm really pleased to continue that partnership with this exciting news."
Mark Blundell, Sporting Director of ROKiT MB Motorsport, added:
“We’re delighted to welcome Charlie and ek robotics to the team. Charlie is a true professional and her new role with her in the team will help as she explores future on-track opportunities as well. Empowering a diverse and inclusive culture in our team is very important to me and I know that is a passion which ek robotics share equally. Together we are delighted to be opening up this opportunity for Charlie to help take the next step in her career. Charlie is a truly inspirational character and her ambition and enthusiasm will be a great asset to the team.”
Chris Price, UK Managing Director of ek robotics, concluded:
"Everyone at ek robotics is delighted to share this news today as we mark another first in the British Touring Car Championship. We share a lot of principles with the ROKiT MB Motorsport team and have enjoyed working with Charlie already, so to support in making this opportunity possible is very important to us. As an organisation, equality and inclusion run through every element of our work and that is reinforced via this partnership. It is great to see the BTCC adopting hybrid power in the 2022 season and the push for greater sustainability in our work is a mission we all share."
