SEAT target BTCC star Muller for Europe

The Spanish manufacturer believes that the Frenchman, who has been a works Vauxhall driver in Britain since 1999, is the ideal candidate to pit the SEAT Toldeo touring car against challengers from BMW, Alfa Romeo and Volvo.

Muller is believed to have met with SEAT motorsport boss Jamie Puig in recent weeks, but although he admitted that he was interested in a move to the ETCC, he refused to elaborate on what form any prospective foray into the series would take.

"I can't say anything about that," said Muller. "I think that the ETCC is a good series with plenty of cars. It is certainly a possibility, but nothing is decided yet."

Muller's Vauxhall contract is up for renewal, and as an available and recognised top-line star he is the obvious choice to lead the marque's anticipated two-pronged assault on the series.

The factory assault is widely expected to be officially announced in the near future after certain key changes to the relatively new Super 2000 regulations were ratified by the FIA World Council.