Vauxhall signs young gun Ferrier for BTCC

Ferrier, the youngest driver on last year's BTCC grid, steps up to the Triple Eight-run machine alongside tin-top aces Jason Plato and Yvan Muller. Rumours persist that a fourth Astra will also be fielded by the team, to be driven by an 'experienced touring car driver'.

Speaking at Autosport International at Birmingham's NEC, the former Class B Alfa Romeo driver said: "This year's new regulations mean the cars are inbetween what I drove last year [production class Alfa] and what Jason and Yvan drove [Super Touring class Vauxhall], so it should be quite a level playing field.

"My aim is to be a real title-contender in my first season in the car, but to win a race would be absolutely brilliant. It's going to be really hectic, because I'm used to doing my own thing, but I'm looking forward to the challenge."

Vauxhall's main opposition will initially come from a trio of Peugeot 406 Coupes raced by Steve Soper, Matt Neal and Dan Eaves, but Ferrier believes the new rules will lead to an escalation of interest in the category.

"The new rules will cut costs and keep things very competitive," said the 20-year-old, who signed for the team before Christmas. "We'll get big grids and close racing and I'm sure it will be an excellent championship."

The 2001 Astra will run for the first time on January 18th in Albacete in Spain. Plato and Muller will carry out the bulk of the early development work, with Ferrier set for his first run in mid-February.