Vauxhall could run six Astras

"I can see six Astras on the grid," said Vauxhall's motorsport boss Mike Nicholson. "I'm really optimistic for next year." Triple-Eight, the current works operation has committed to running three Astra based racers in next year's series, but the team is now putting plans into action for a two-car 'junior squad' to be run by a satellite team. In addition, Triple-Eight also hopes to sell at least one Astra to a privateer runner.

Vauxhall is so far the only manufacturer to commit to the new-look BTCC, which features 2-litre, 270bhp engines and strict regulations on the manufacturing and preparation of the cars. The rules are aimed to level the playing field between works teams and private entrants, but the works outfit - which will build all the cars - claims not to fear the possible embarrassment of being beaten by a non-works competitor:

"If we are beaten by a team using the equipment better, we'll have to take a hard look at ourselves," said Triple-Eight manager Ian Harrison. "We'll get a bit of competition, but we don't shy away from that." Triple-Eight's development parts will be offered to Vauxhall's other teams after one race being used solely by the factory team.

New low cost BTCC rules have cut the advantage of running a 'works' team in the way they currently exist in the championship, by insisting that one tuner prepares all cars entered by a manufacturer, whether they be the factory team, privateer or satellite operation, on an equal basis.

The prospect of at six or more Vauxhalls in the BTCC next year will be a definite boost to the series, which is currently struggling to get manufacturers to commit for 2001.