Tempus to join BTCC with Lacettis

The team, which is run by Richard Coleman, was set up last winter and competed in the Formula Renault BARC championship this year, but will graduate to the BTCC and receive technical support from RML, who ran the cars in the World Championship this year.

"This is a serious campaign with substantial backing," said Coleman, who has been involved with the Mitsubishi WRC team and the GR-Asia WTCC squad in the past.

"We have the latest specification Chevrolet Lacettis and everyone has seen how strong they were on the world stage this year. We have good support from RML and a driver with a lot of potential in Harry Vaulkhard."

Vaulkhard, 23, joins the team with a year's experience of the BTCC and the Lacetti, having raced a 2006-spec car to 19th in the overall championship and ninth in the Independents' standings for Robertshaw Racing last year.

"I think the odds were against me in 2008 but I'm confident that 2009 will be a far better season," said Vaulkhard. "Although the Tempus Sport name is not well known, the personnel have a lot of experience and I can't wait to get behind the wheel of the new car.

"Having a deal put together so early means I can focus on my racing and hit the ground running with an extensive test programme. If I get a run in the car before the end of the year it will be a perfect Christmas present."

A second driver is expected to be signed within the next six weeks, with Coleman hinting that somebody with a "race-winning pedigree" would be in the seat.