Turkington joins Vauxhall

Turkington, who has driven WSR-run MGs for the past three seasons in the championship, scoring his first win at Mondello Park this year, will join team stalwart Yvan Muller in the VX Racing squad.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for me," said Turkington. "I am going to a team that has a proven record of success in the BTCC, and the backing of Vauxhall. I can't wait to get in the car! Hopefully I can continue the level of success VX Racing is experiencing. It will be great to drive along side Yvan."

Stuart Harris VX Racing Brand Manager, commented: "It's great for VX Racing to have a youngster like Colin coming to the team. He has been part of the BTCC for a few years now and has proved himself as a driver with the skill and ability to win races. Vauxhall is not only focused on going out to win the championship but also with developing up and coming talent. With James going, it left an opportunity for another driver, and who better than Colin? He has already shown great promise on track."

Turkington and Muller will have a new Vauxhall Astra to drive, which is currently under construction by Vauxhall's team Triple Eight Race Engineering. The new-shape car will replace the all-conquering Astra Coupe, which has sept all before it in the BTCC over the past four seasons.

Thompson left the team recently to move to the World Touring Car Championship, where he is expected to drive for the factory Alfa Romeo squad.