Vauxhall pulls out of BTCC

Vauxhall announced today that they will not return to the British Touring Car Championship next year. The decision has been influenced by the absence of other manufacturer backed teams and the current financial situation.
“The company has enjoyed immense success with BTCC, both on track and as a focal marketing activity for the VXR brand. However a number of factors have led us to take the decision to withdraw from the championship at the end of this season,” said Vauxhall marketing director Andy Gilson.

“Vauxhall’s primary focus for next year will be bringing to market exciting new products, such as the new generation Astra and Meriva models,” continued Gilson.

Vauxhall has co operated with the team Tripple Eight in BTCC over the last 13 years and taken over 100 race victories and seven manufacturers titles.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Triple Eight Race Engineering for turning our road cars into some of the most successful BTCC entrants in its history,” said Gilson.

The team has claimed six drivers titles in the last eight years with Fabrizio Giovanardi, James Thompson, Yvan Muller and Jason Plato.

“I would also like to thank the drivers who have piloted our cars to victory. I would like to think we can end our run in touring cars with another title-winning season.”

Vauxhall were left alone for the BTCC 2009 after SEAT decided to pull out of the championship after the 2008 season.

Currently the BTCC stands without an official manufacturer backed entry for 2010.