By Mick Palmer

Jade Edwards has been confirmed as a fifth Cupra Leon driver at Team HARD for 2023 in the British Touring Car Championship.

The former BTC Racing (now One Motorsport) driver makes the move after two full season campaigns where she finished 26^th in the overall points standings, and will be aiming to climb the order in the Jack Sears Trophy.

“I’m really excited to be joining Team HARD. Racing for the 2023 BTCC season,” she said. “I have been following the team’s progress for a while and I am impressed with their professionalism and commitment to success. I am confident that I will be able to build on my experience from last year and work well with the team to achieve some great results on track.”

Edwards had a number of seasons in the Clio Cup prior to her BTCC debut in 2020. Her final season with Team Hard in 2019 saw her most competitive year as she challenged at the front of the pack all season, so this season will  be a return to the fold for the third generation BTCC racer.

Team Hard Boss Tony Gilham said:

“We are thrilled to have Jade re-joining us for the 2023 BTCC season. She is an exceptional driver with a lot of potential, and we believe she will be a great asset to our team. Both Jade and the team have come on a long way since we previously worked together and we are ready to provide her with the best platform to have her best season in the BTCC to date.

“As a favourite with the crowd, we know that our fans and partners alike will be thrilled with this signing and we look forward to working with Jade again and achieving some fantastic results on track.”

Edwards joins previously announced Bobby Thompson, Jack Butel, Dan Lloyd and Devter Patterson at the squad.