Vauxhall's racing division, Banbury-based VX Racing, has completed a three-day test programme in its new Vectra Hatchback race car, in preparation for the 2007 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC).

The new Vectra race car, unveiled at the Autosport International Show in January, was specifically designed to meet the BTCC's new FIA Super 2000 technical regulations for 2007, which have been changed over from former BTC rules. Teams must now incorporate many production parts into their race cars, causing concerns about reliability over the course of the championship.

Drivers Tom Chilton and Fabrizio Giovanardi were positive about the Vectra's performance however, and each praised the car for its consistent lap times and reliability. More than 200 laps were completed at the test track in Valencia, Spain, working to eliminate any teething problems with the new race car.

Giovanardi, two-time European Touring Car Champion, believed the car will perform well during the championship races, stating the car had the potential to fight for a place in the BTCC winner's circle.

Chilton was equally satisfied with the race car's form and progressive nature, but was looking forward to another two weeks of crucial fine tuning to ensure the car will hold up well when it appears on the start line in a little over a month's time.

VX Racing has been the most successful team in the BTCC's modern era (post-1991), winning 13 of the 18 available driver, manufacturer and team titles. The 2007 BTCC season's first round kicks off at Brands Hatch April 1.

Eric Gallina - 26 Feb 2007