SEAT signs Luke Hines

The squad, which entered the BTCC in 2004 and won nine races, will expand to a three-car operation this season to mount a full assault on the manufacturers' championship.

Hines, who won two races for VX Racing in 2004, will join the team's existing drivers Jason Plato and James Pickford as it moves its operations in-house.

The 22-year-old said: "I'm delighted to be driving for SEAT Sport UK this year because in my mind it's definitely the best team in the BTCC. We all saw what it achieved in its first year in 2004, so just think what it could achieve in 2005. It's a very exciting prospect for me and there is a lot of potential in the team which I believe will come to the fore this year. I want to try and help SEAT win the manufacturers' title, that's my main aim.

"I haven't driven the Toledo Cupra yet and I have a lot to learn, but I'm looking forward to working with Jason and James and hopefully score loads more race wins myself. I'd like to win the drivers' title, but I'd be very happy if, at the end of the season, I finished in the top three."

Scott Dennis, SEAT UK national motorsport manager, said: "It's fantastic to have someone with Luke's potential join the SEAT Sport UK team. In 2004 Luke proved he can compete with the best, winning two races and consistently finished in the points, and together with Jason and James we have a very strong driver line-up that will enable us to challenge for the manufacturers' title."