Photo: BTCC Media

Vauxhall confirms Vectra for 2007

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Vauxhall has confirmed it will race the hatchback version of its new Vectra model in 2007’s Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

The Vectra (its road going version is pictured above) will be built to the BTCC’s new Super 2000 regulations and replace the Astra Sport Hatch that Vauxhall’s VX Racing squad has campaigned for the last two years.

VXR brand manager Stuart Harris said: “We’ve tested the various potential models – the Astra, Vectra and even the Corsa, said Harris. “Technically, and from an aerodynamic point of view, we decided the Vectra gave us the best possibility.

“2007 is going to be a tough year with another new car to develop and get on stream. The only team which won’t be at a disadvantage is SEAT. Its car (the Leon) is the same as last year and it will benefit from the World Touring Car development, whereas we have to do it all ourselves. We’ve got an incredibly professional and hard-working team, though, and I know they are throwing everything at this project.”

In 2006 Vauxhall failed to win a piece of BTCC silverware for the first time in six years. It previously won five consecutive Manufacturers’ crowns from 2001-05, but this year that accolade fell to SEAT. It also won every Drivers’ and Teams’ title from 2001-2004.

But this past season brought just two victories – the first its 100th in the BTCC – and returning to title glory drivers, Briton Tom Chilton and Italy’s Fabrizio Giovnardi, will be its priority in 2007.

VX Racing’s technical director said: “For the last four months we’ve slept and worked and that’s it! The new regulations have given us a real headache. Now we have to design around standard road car parts which means designing a lot of things from scratch.

“Because of that, we can’t predict how some parts are going to behave as we haven’t had any race experience with them, but the Vectra definitely has advantages over the Astra – mainly aerodynamics.”

Vauxhall’s new Vectra Hatchback BTCC racer is set to be unveiled at the Autosport International Show on 11 January.