Vauxhall to stay in BTCC in 2007

The manufacturer has endured a couple of difficult years after dominating the series since the start of the BTC-spec era in 2001, but it will maintain its relationship with Ian Harrison's VX Racing outfit.

"We know we are in a great position with Vauxhall," said Harrison, "We've got a partnership in its tenth year now and long may it continue."

Next year, the BTCC moves to the Super 2000-spec rules that are used in the World Touring Car Championship, and Vauxhall could switch to using its Vectra Model in place of the current Astra.

Vauxhall brand manager Stuart Harris is yet to confirm which model will be used, but said that the growing popularity of the series made it an easy decision to stay put.

"The BTCC is definitely on the ascent," he said. "The competition is diversifying with more teams entering and larger grids, which is attracting a great fan base - we'd be crazy to pull out now.

"There's no denying that 2006 has been a difficult year for us but that's all the more reason to redouble our efforts, regroup and attack."

Fabrizio Giovanardi scored Vauxhall's 101st BTCC win last weekend at Brands Hatch.