Neal impressed with first Vectra run

The former double British Touring Car champion will line up alongside 2007 champion Fabrizio Giovanardi next year, and he feels that while he has a lot to get used to with the new car, it will be a strong package next year.

"The Vectra is quite different to what I'm used to," said Neal. "But the car has some very strong features. It's just a nice all-round package."

"The engine especially is excellent. It's very good on the straights and I think we will be looking very good for next year."

VX Racing team principal Ian Harrison added that the purpose of the test was simply to give Neal a chance to familiarise himself with his new surroundings, rather than put any serious work in ahead of the 2008 season.

"The run was just to give Matt a feel for what's underneath him," said Harrison. "The lap times were utterly irrelevant.

"It gives us a very early indication of the direction he wants to go so that when it does get serious we know what he wants."