Tech-Speed confirms Cruzes

The team has been in negotiations to run the ex-works cars since O'Neill and George tested them at Brands Hatch earlier this month, and has now confirmed that it will run under the Gomobileuk.com with Tech-Speed banner.

O'Neill, who finished ninth in the championship last year in an ageing Honda Integra-R, said: "I'm over the moon that the deal has finally been done."

"In testing, the Chevrolet has been everything I expected from a title winning car and now I just need to make the most of the time available in the car before we get to Brands Hatch for the season opener.

"There is a lot of potential for us to explore in the Cruze, but this season we have to be targeting consistent top six finishes and race wins. We don't have the big budgets of some of the top teams when it comes to the overall championship, but there is no doubt that my sights are firmly on fighting for the Independents' title."

For George, who scored points on two occasions last season, a switch to a Cruze means he will drive something other than an Integra for the first time since 2004. He is hoping to build on the progress he made in 2010.

"My initial laps in the Chevrolet have been good and it's a well-sorted and precise machine, as you'd expect from a title winning car," he said.

"It's early days but we have a very good package for the year ahead and I'm hoping that I can be even more competitive this season and challenge for points at every round.

"Having a strong team-mate like Paul for another season is great and I'm really looking forward to the year ahead."

Both drivers are due to get more track time in the car at the official pre-season test at Silverstone on Thursday.