Matthew Rees: Powered by Motul

The 2021 season has seen a rapid expansion in Motul’s presence on the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship package, including the prestige of being the official Engine Oil and Lubricants partner to the F4 British Championship.

Through its official UK Distributor, Witham Motorsport, the industry-leading brand is also partnered with JHR Developments, multiple race winners and regular championship contenders in Britain’s FIA Formula 4 series, the first step on the ladder towards Formula 1.

Currently leading the Derbyshire-based team’s charge with six rounds remaining at the time of writing is Welsh teenager Matthew Rees, the karting graduate now pulling up trees after his switch to single seaters at the turn of the year.

The 15-year-old made the headlines on his very first weekend in the series, beating a host of experienced names in the category to score a double pole position, at a circuit as challenging as Thruxton, no less.

He then followed that up with an emphatic double victory at Snetterton and maintained a clean sweep of pole positions until the third event of the campaign at Brands Hatch. His status as ‘one to watch’ was further underlined last month when the Cardiff racer made the shortlist for the prestigious and industry-renowned Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Award.

Now, with only two events remaining at Donington Park and Brands Hatch GP, we decided to catch up with Rees, one of many Ford-powered rising stars now using Motul products to keep their Mygale M14-F4 challengers in peak condition, to preview the title run-in.

“It’s been a really solid season so far,” begins Rees. “Obviously as a driver, it’s very important to have a lot of self-belief, but to be in with a very strong shout of winning the championship at the first attempt in my debut season is satisfying.

“A lot of it has been down to consistency, even on our bad weekends we’ve made sure to pick up the odd podium finish, or a good haul of points. It’s a long season – 30 races, with no dropped scores – so there’s very little margin for error if you want to be competitive.”

At the time of writing, seven drivers remain in with a mathematical chance of being crowned champion, but Rees’ focus is on his own results.

“I’m sure there are twists and turns left for each of us to navigate, so I’ve got enough to concentrate on myself without worrying about what everybody else is doing.

“Ultimately, we know we’ve got the pace and the race craft to go out and do well, so it’s just about keeping it simple, taking it one race at a time and enjoying the experience. Obviously, the title would be a huge bonus, but this is a learning formula for me and I’m equally mindful that every race is only going to improve me as a driver.”

Rees finished by paying tribute to Steven Hunter’s JHR team, and to his team-mates, McKenzy Cresswell and Joseph Loake, for fostering such a positive team atmosphere this season.

“It’s always a good environment to come into, and that really makes a difference,” he says.

“Whether it’s being able to go through data with the engineers, practice on the simulator at HQ before each race weekend, or just generally have a laugh with everybody, those are all factors that ultimately contribute to how well we do out on track.

“We definitely made the smart move in choosing here. Technically, everything’s set up perfectly – with a bit of help from Motul’s products, of course! – and so far, that’s served us really well in this championship battle.”

Witham Motorsport proud to support and work with a number of race drivers, teams and garages. To read more about who uses Motul oils and to shop the full range, please click here.