Giovanardi is a winner with Vauxhall come what may

VX Racing has today announced that Fabrizio Giovanardi will remain with the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship Vauxhall works team in 2008, whatever the outcome of this weekend’s title decider at Thruxton.

The Luton-based manufacturer has reinforced its confidence in the seven-time touring car champion by extending his contract in the run-up to the three most important races of his career to date.

Giovanardi, who has won eight BTCC rounds in the VX Racing Vectra so far this year, is nine points behind SEAT’s Jason Plato with a maximum 52 points remaining through next Sunday’s racing.

“I haven’t any pressure on me because I have signed,” said Giovanardi. “But that does not give me any different approach to the race. I come to Thruxton to try and win for me, for Vauxhall and for the team.

“It’s going to be very great for the fans because we’re so close. A small mistake could make the difference so tension is quite high. I hope the weather will be quite good. Rain could make big questions.”

Vauxhall has been delighted with Giovanardi’s tour de force this year, as he dealt with robust on-track battles and mounting pressure.

“Fabrizio has been instrumental in developing the Vauxhall Vectra into the race-winning car it is today,” said Stuart Harris, VX Racing Brand Manager. “That has given us great success this year, not least the fact that we are leading the Manufacturers Championship.

“The Thruxton weekend is going to be nerve-racking. There’s really nothing in it, but I’m confident the team is on form and I’m looking forward to returning to winning ways.”
At the Thruxton round earlier in the year Giovanardi won two of the three races, out-scoring Plato by nine points. If that should happen again, the Vauxhall driver would win having racked up more victories throughout the season.

Qualifying will take place this Saturday (13 October) at 15:10 with the first of three races starting at 11:00 on Sunday.