Vauxhall Motorsport's 26-round title challenger is the stunning new 2.0-litre Astra Coupé driven by Oxford-based Jason Plato and Frenchman, Yvan Muller - the same pair which took the race-winning Vauxhall Vectra to no less than sixteen BTCC podium finishes last year. These won't be the only Astra Coupés lining up on the grid. Following the announcement of satellite team, Egg Sport, spectators will be treated to Vauxhall's "Awesome Foursome" with seasoned BTCC campaigner, James Thompson from Yorkshire and West Midlands newcomer, Phil Bennett completing the Astra Coupé line-up.

Vauxhall Motorsport Manager, Mike Nicholson welcomes the arrival of the new season: "We are really looking forward to a fresh new challenge. Much thought has been put into the new rule changes and I am sure that the racing will be closer than ever, providing not only tough competition between the teams but also a great spectacle for the championship's followers."

"Vauxhall will have four Astra Coupés on the grid this year which is great news. All we need now is to get on with the job in hand and get some cracking results."

Both Vauxhall Motorsport drivers, Muller and Plato feel that they have unfinished business after finishing fourth and fifth respectively in the 2000 championship. Each has declared his own intention to win. Jason Plato however, having topped the time sheets at the final test (at Oulton Park on April 4) before the seasons gets under way, is chomping at the bit.