Opel completes major test

New signings Laurent Aiello, Marcel Fässler and Heinz-Harald Frentzen joined Opel favourite Manuel Reuter and test driver Marcel Tiemann. Only the latter had previously driven the new car.

"Being back behind the wheel of a race car after the long winter break is nice," said Aiello, who defects from the Abt Sportsline Audi team. "The new Vectra gives a very good feeling and has a lot of potential."

Former grand prix winner Heinz-Harald Frentzen commented: "The Vectra GTS V8 was a lot of fun to drive right away."

Opel's motorsport manager Volker Strycek said: "This test was a major point in our programme in preparation for the new season. On the various days, we had many different weather conditions, which didn't make things particularly easy. But still, we have managed to complete a big part of our plan and acquired further valuable experience."

The car will go head-to-head with rivals from Audi and Mercedes for the first time at Estoril in an official test next month.