BTCC squad Team Hard gives Tom Barley Vauxhall seat for Brands Hatch

Barley, who finished 11th in this season's VW Racing Cup and is a Team Hard scholar, has already tested the Vauxhall Insignia he will race at Brands.

"The car is the most incredible machine I've ever driven and my two test days have gone really well," said the 26-year-old.

""I've loved every minute of it and I plan to do the same this weekend.

"It's important that it's enjoyable for my guests and me but I also need to show what I can do. It will be a hard task but I'd love to score some points.

"It's a toe in the water for 2014 so three solid races would be fantastic. It has been my ambition to race in the BTCC for a long time so I just want to seize the opportunity."

Team boss Tony Gilham said: "Tom is the full package - both in and out of the car - which you have to have now.

"Not only is he an extremely quick driver but he's also a consummate professional and knows how to carry himself aside from racing.

"He has really progressed over the course of the year and deserves this opportunity."