As the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) heads for the penultimate round at Knockhill this weekend, Vauxhall’s Fabrizio Giovanardi is looking to maintain his record of out-scoring title rival Jason Plato 3:1 so far this season.

With eight race meetings completed so far, Giovanardi has only lost ground to Plato at the year’s Brands Hatch opener and Donington Park, meaning the thrilling title chase is separated by just four points.

The two remaining 2007 circuits provide good reason for optimism within the team: in 2006 Knockhill supplied an historic breakthrough with Giovanardi scoring Vauxhall’s 100th BTCC win at the Scottish circuit and earlier this year Thruxton, which will host the final round, was the scene of a double victory, proving the Vauxhall Vectra is well equipped to prevail.

Since the Knockhill triumph of last year, VX Racing has added a further nine wins to its impressive tally, eight of those this season with Giovanardi taking his third double-victory of the year at the last round.

That, and the consistency of the Italian’s Vauxhall team-mate, Tom Chilton, has meant the Luton-based car company leads of the BTCC manufacturer’s championship and the squad is only seven points behind SEAT Sport UK in the team standings.

Qualifying will begin at 15:25 on Saturday, 1 September 2007, with the first of three races starting at 10:35 on Sunday, 2 September 2007.

Fabrizio Giovanardi #5

“Knockhill is a really tight circuit and it’s quite tricky, but our Vauxhall Vectra will be good around there.

“I’m looking forward to going back again after our 100th win last year and I will just try to get as many points to keep closing the gap to Jason (Plato).”

Tom Chilton #7

“Knockhill is a fun circuit to drive on but the weather can usually play tricks with you and be a really big influence.

“I didn’t have a good weekend last year with two none-finishes but our car should be going well around Knockhill and I’m confident of scoring more points for the team.”

Stuart Harris, VXR Brand Manager

“Going back to Knockhill will be special not only because the championship is so close at the moment but also because we secured our 100th win in 2006.

“If we leave Knockhill with a points advantage over SEAT we will be looking strong at Thruxton for the season final, as our car is very quick around there.”

Since first entering the BTCC in 1989, Vauxhall’s works team has won 16 titles:

Six Drivers Championships (2004 James Thompson, 2003 Yvan Muller, 2002 James Thompson, 2001 Jason Plato, 1995 John Cleland, 1989 John Cleland) Six Manufacturers Championships (2005 VXR Astra Sport Hatch, 2004 Astra Coupé, 2003 Astra Coupé, 2002 Astra Coupé, 2001 Astra Coupé, 1992 Cavalier GSi) Four Team Titles (2004, 2003, 2002, 2001) It is the most successful manufacturer in the modern era of BTCC, having accumulated 109 race wins.