head to Silverstone
VX Racing has extended their manufacturers’, teams’ and drivers’ leads in the 2008 HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), following a successful weekend at Scotland’s Knockhill circuit. With just six races left to go in the 2008 championship, VX Racing look set to retain their titles for another year.
Leaving the Scottish circuit as the most successful team of the weekend, with four podiums and an impressive total of 55 points to add to their BTCC standings, VX Racing continue to look impressive as the countdown to the end of the 2008 season begins, and Silverstone’s rounds 25, 26, and 27 are fast approaching. Reigning BTCC Champion Fabrizio Giovanardi continues to lead the drivers’ standings with 228 points, 41 points ahead of his nearest rival. Team mate Matt Neal currently lies fifth with 152 points. VX Racing rookie Tom Onslow-Cole lies in sixth, just 8 points behind Neal.
Returning to Silverstone for the first time since 2006, VX Racing has a successful history at the Northamptonshire circuit. The Astra Sport Hatch secured three podium successes during the 2006 BTCC round, but this will be the first outing here for the Vectra VXR. Both Neal and Onslow-Cole will make their debuts for VX Racing at Silverstone, although both drivers have already shown winning form at Silverstone in the past.
Qualifying for round 25 of the BTCC will be held on Saturday 30 August at 15.00, with the first of three races starting at 11.20 on Sunday 31 August.
Fabrizio Giovanardi #1“I know the Silverstone circuit well, and have raced there lots before. Obviously taking the success ballast into consideration, I can only hope for a points finish which will allow me to stay in the lead in the drivers’ championship. I’d like to hold onto my 41 point lead heading into the final rounds at Brands Hatch.”
Matt Neal #4“The Silverstone National circuit is very short, however, Copse Corner is a particularly challenging part and is the fastest corner on the track so needs careful preparation. It will be good to take the Vectra VXR round the track, it’s proved a very strong circuit for the car in testing. I’d like us to try and secure a strong points score out of the Silverstone weekend.”
Tom Onslow-Cole #10“I like Silverstone, it’s a fun circuit to drive and I’m looking forward to being there with the VX Racing team. I’m hoping for some more podiums at Silverstone, as I’d really like to add some decent points to our standings, but really the weekend needs to be about consistent and measured performances.”
