VX Racing looks to extend lead at Thruxton

After two sensational wins at Rockingham last weekend, VX Racing is heading to Thruxton, Hampshire, the scene of more victories for Vauxhall than any other Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship venue.

Since 1991 the Vauxhall works team has scored 13 victories at Thruxton, the fastest circuit on the BTCC calendar.

Vauxhall’s 2007 driver line-up, Fabrizio Giovanardi and Tom Chilton, are looking to add to the tally and extend their lead in both the BTCC’s Manufacturer and Team Championships, after their strong performance at Rockingham last Sunday.

Thruxton is known for its high-speed corners and long straights and though the layout did not suit last year’s Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch, there are high hopes for the new Vauxhall Vectra.

With Giovanardi and Chilton currently second and third respectively in the Drivers Championship, the team will be looking to top its Rockingham results and finish the weekend leading all three BTCC Championships: Manufacturers, Teams and Drivers Championships.

Qualifying at Thruxton Circuit starts at 15:15 on Saturday, 5 May 2007, with the first race at 10:55 on Sunday, 6 May 2007.

Fabrizio Giovanardi
“In my opinion, Thruxton is the best circuit for our car. When we tested at Valencia we saw what good speed we had through fast corners and that will pay off at Thruxton.

“Whenever Tom (Chilton) raced at Thruxton in the past he was very fast, so I think we will be very competitive. The team is in good spirits after the great results we had at Rockingham.”

Tom Chilton
“We run a special tyre at Thruxton as it’s such a high-speed circuit. The set-up for the car is completely different to any of the other circuits. Although we have got experience from our test at Valencia in the winter, we have absolutely no data on what the new Vectra will be like, but all the teams will be in the same boat, so we won’t have a disadvantage.

“I am confident that if we get a good set-up in the free practise sessions, we will be fighting for wins. Our chassis is definitely well suited for Thruxton.”

Stuart Harris, VX Racing Brand Manager
“Thruxton is the fastest circuit on our calendar and there are a number of unique challenges. Obviously we had a great result at Rockingham and it gave us some good indications where the car is at, so I hope we will score more points at Thruxton.”