The VX Racing team says it is putting rare mechanical problems behind it, as it returns to the track this bank holiday weekend for rounds 15 and 16 of the Green Flag MSA British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch. The driver trio is looking extremely strong, especially as they will be racing without success ballast following the last race.

VX Racing’s Yvan Muller is currently leading the driver’s championship in his Vauxhall Astra Coupe, on 163 points, with only six races left. Team-mate and current champion, James Thompson, is hot on his heels with 150 points, and Paul O’Neill is lying fourth, after his fantastic maiden win at Snetterton.

James Thompson will be battling to defend his title. “I’m looking forward to Brands Hatch, I’m eager to close the gap on Yvan. We had a disappointing second race at Snetterton with the mechanical problems, but overall I was really happy with the set up and performance of the car. The nature of the circuit means it’s always a tight race at Brands, but hopefully I can do well.”

Yvan Muller is looking forward to getting back on the track after unusual engine problems forced him out of the last race. “I like Brands Hatch and usually get good results there: At rounds three and four in May I was second and then first. We have sorted the problems from Snetterton, and hopefully I can extend my lead in the championship.”

Paul O’Neill is hoping to repeat the success he tasted at Snetterton and shake off the bad luck he had at Brands Hatch in May. “Last time at Brands was only my second race for VX Racing; I was leading on the last lap but lost it at the final corner and finished third. I’ve got more experience now and I won’t let that happen again. I’m looking to prove myself and feel confident. This time I want to be on the podium, but it would be even better to win.”

The VX Racing team will be in action at Brands Hatch this bank holiday weekend. Free practice begins at 10.45 am followed by qualifying at 15.40pm on Sunday 24 August. The first race of the double header bill takes place at 12.45pm on Monday 25 August, with the final race at 16.10pm.