Lehto tries Opel's Astra for size

The former Benetton and Sauber racer, who is currently contracted to Opel's sister company Cadillac in sportscar racing, said he enjoyed the experience. Lehto raced in the DTM and its international spin-off, the ITC, in 1995 and '96.

"The DTM Opel is very good to drive, I immediately felt comfortable in the cockpit," said Lehto. "I expected the change from a sports prototype to a touring car to be more difficult."

Lehto tested the Astra V8 Coupé at the invitation of Volker Strycek, head of Opel motorsport.

"We have known and appreciated JJ since the 1995 and 1996 DTM/ITC seasons, when he was successfully racing the Opel Calibra V6. We never lost contact with him. And the fact that he is now under contract with GM's Cadillac division presented a welcome opportunity to do this test," said Strycek.

Opel works drivers Manuel Reuter and Timo Scheider, meanwhile, completed an extensive testing programme.

"This was a good test, which gave us the chance to sort out some set-up options," said Reuter. "The test clearly put us several steps ahead so that we're now well set to tackle the remaining three races of the season."