Mat's season will be monitored closely by SEAT Sport UK after he impressed greatly in 2005: not only did he win an unrivalled eight times in the Cupra series, but he also emerged as a strong contender for a drive with SEAT's official factory team in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

The 24-year-old has just confirmed he will challenge for this year's SEAT Cupra title with his 2005 family team Jackson's of Henley with sponsorship from Whale Tankers. Also supporting him will be popular BTCC-themed radio show Tin Top Tuesday.

"They're billing this year's SEAT Cupra Championship as the best ever so winning it would be extra special," says Mat. "The competition looks to be even stronger - it's probably going to be the most exciting of all the supporting championships to the BTCC. But I'm feeling confident after such a strong performance in 2005. We've now got a season's experience working with the Cupra R so know how to set it up for each circuit. It's also a car that I really enjoy driving - the grip and balance are the best of any car I've raced and I'm looking forward to pushing it to new limits and hopefully collecting the Champion's prize of £100,000."

Mat's SEAT Cupra Championship season begins at Brands Hatch on 9 April with two races in front of what is expected to be a huge race day crowd. Another 16 races at eight meetings follow after that before the season finale at Silverstone on 15 October.

His confidence has been further boosted by comments from SEAT UK Motorsport Manager Scott Dennis, who has been left impressed by Mat's approach and commitment to the Spanish manufacturer.

Scott Dennis comments: "We hold Mat in very high regard and he is one of several young drivers whose progress we will be keeping a close eye on in 2006. He displayed a fantastic talent on his way to runner-up spot in the 2005 Cupra Championship and in the end-of-season international Cupra race at Barcelona. He then fitted in extremely well with everyone on the SEAT stand when he worked with us at the Autosport International Show. He is sure to be one of the Cupra title favourites this year.

"It is also fair to say that the SEAT Sport UK team was left very impressed by his ability during a shoot-out for the vacant BTCC seat. His speed in our BTCC car was there for all to see and he was a strong contender for one of the vacant drives with our BTCC team."

Mat adds: "Comments don't come much better than that! They're great words to hear and really give me extra motivation to win. I've worked a lot with SEAT during the winter break and built up a really good relationship with the people there. I'd really like to build a future with the company as it has a great reputation in terms of quality and image.

"But my number one priority now has to be the Championship and making a solid start to the season. I didn't really get into a rhythm until the second or third rounds last year and that effectively cost me the championship. I won't let the same happen again."

Ends

For more information and copyright free photos contact Mat or Tony Jackson

Tel. 01564 793050, Email info@jacksonsford.co.uk or visit www.matjackson.com