Opel plans to come out fighting in 2002

The Ruesselsheim manufacturer will build six brand new Astra Coupes for 2002, and two each will be run by existing works teams Holzer, Phoenix and Euroteam. It has re-signed last year's drivers Manuel Reuter, Joachim Winkelhock, Michael Bartels and Alain Menu, who have all been rewarded for their patience in 2001 when the car was well off the pace of the Mercedes CLK and Abt Audi TT-R.

"We are doing everything we can to be competitive from the start of the season," said Opel's motorsport chief Volker Strycek. "Our aim is to reach the same level as Mercedes and Abt Audi next year. Manuel, Jockel, Alain and Michael are all strong, reliable drivers who have already proved their qualities many times."

Opel is in final negotiations with its young gun Timo Scheider, who has raced for them for the last two seasons and is looked after by the Schumachers' manager, Willi Weber.

Its sixth seat remains open and, according to Strycek: "The list of available and interested drivers is very long, but we have clear ideas. As soon as we decide this, the drivers will be allocated to the teams."