Neal to join Vauxhall for 2008

Neal won the 2005 and 2006 championships in the Dynamics Honda and finished fourth in this year's standings.

"It's not a decision I've taken lightly, given my close family links with Team Dynamics and a great team set-up which has supported me in winning two BTCC titles," he said.

"However, life is about challenges and changes and while I am sad to leave Dynamics I am excited about my new challenge ahead.

"I've always admired VX Racing as a good professional team with a friendly atmosphere. Racing against VXR has been annoyingly consistent! When it was running the all-conquering Astras in the early 2000s, it was tough because its cars would be knocking in the results day-in and day-out.

"I'm going into it wanting to do the best job. I want to win races and championships but if I can't do the latter I will do my utmost to aid my teammate along the way. I'm a team player and always have been."

The move marks a return to Vauxhall for Neal, who raced for the satellite Egg Sport squad in 2002.

His father Steve Neal confirmed that Team Dynamics would remain in the championship despite his son's departure, and that title sponsor Halfords had agreed to continue its backing.

Gordon Shedden has also been re-signed to lead the team next season.

"We all wish Matt the best of luck and almost every success as we shall be competing against him in the teams' and drivers' championships next year," Steve Neal said.

"Team Halfords' momentum is looking really good with the first year of the Honda Civic under our belts and some great results which we intend to build on.

"Gordon Shedden has had a great season and developed enormously as a driver so we expect him to be right up front and vying for the drivers' championship in 2008."