02/04/2003 - VAUXHALL RACING READY TO DEFEND BTCC TITLES

Reigning champions limber up for three-in-a-row challenge

Vauxhall Racing drivers James Thompson, Yvan Muller and Paul O’Neill today unveil their new-look 2003 challengers. In preparation for the 2003 season, the team has been re-named Vauxhall Racing and the modified Astra Coupés have been re-branded in an all new livery.

The defending champions are prepared for strong competition this season, not only from other manufacturers, but also from within their three-car squad. In 2002 James Thompson and Yvan Muller battled for the victor’s spoils down to the wire, and the preseason form has shown that the drivers and teams are exceptionally closely matched again this year.

Vauxhall Racing’s drivers and team have worked hard during the off-season to ensure they will be on the pace from the first round of the championship in Mondello Park at Easter.

As the defending champions, Vauxhall Racing is aiming for the treble in 2003 - Vauxhall's centenary year. Vauxhall is setting out to become the first manufacturer in the history of the BTCC to secure the manufacturer’s, driver’s and team titles for three consecutive years.

Mike Nicholson, Vauxhall Racing Operations Manager, comments: Vauxhall Racing will be defending all three titles with vigor, and we are setting out to be the first manufacturer to be victorious in three consecutive years. We are expecting strong competition of course, but we are fully prepared for the challenges ahead, and are optimistic that we are in good shape at this point of the season.

Vauxhall Racing intrinsically links the team to the Vauxhall brand. The team’s new profile is reflected in Vauxhall’s continued move towards more sports models within its product line-up, such as the VX220 turbo and centenary Astra Coupé Edition 100.