Bike ace Slight in 10-race Peugeot BTCC deal

Slight will ditch two wheels for four and joins the works Peugeot race team - alongside Matt Neal, Steve Soper and Dan Eaves - in ten races over five meetings in 2001, with a view to a full campaign in 2002.

The Kiwi, who started his bike career in 1979, has been a leading figure in World Superbikes since 1992, achieving 13 race wins and consistent top three championship placings. Other notable highlights of his career include three Suzuka Eight-Hour wins, plus the Australian Superbike and Pan-Pacific championships.

"Driving in the BTCC for the factory Peugeot team is a dream come true," said Slight. "I have always wanted to race cars and I've done a few competitive car races in the past. To drive for a global company like Peugeot will be awesome, and I look forward to working with them.

"The race car looks great, if it goes half as fast as it looks; the Peugeot team are in for a storming year. I am looking forward to testing as I have a lot to learn in a short time this year, but I will be giving it all to succeed and hope to be in a championship winning position in 2002."

Slight's limited four-wheel racing career includes a touring car drive in the Tourist Trophy at Donington Park in 1997, where he qualified seventh but was punted off in the race - ironically by Vauxhall rival Yvan Muller, who then drove for Audi. Slight led the 1999 Pukekohe 500 race in his homeland, but retired with mechanical failure with 20 minutes to go. He also tested a West Surrey Racing BTCC Honda Accord last year.

"Any motorcycle racer who successfully competes at World Superbike level has a special quality," said Peugeot's motorsport director Mick Linford, himself a massive bike fan. "Their awareness and ability to instantly read a track and assess a situation is second to none. Aaron will be an asset to the team, and we look forward to working with him.

"He has a very professional approach and sees this as a progression in his career. He will not be out there simply to play and shouldn't be underestimated. Bike racers don't give up easily and the word 'concede' isn't even in their vocabulary," added Linford.