The reigning BTCC champions Vauxhall will launch its assault on the 2005 title with the brand new three-door Astra Sport Hatch.

The new generation VX Racing car makes its competition debut in the opening rounds of the 2005 BTCC at Donington Park in April, in the same week its sister car, the three-door Astra Sport Hatch goes on sale across the UK.

An artist's impression of the new Astra Sport Hatch BTCC car was shown on Vauxhall's stand at this week's Autosport International exhibition and in their magazine.

Based on the latest generation Astra road car, Vauxhall's new racer comes with a strong racing pedigree, its predecessor, the out-going Astra Coupe, being the most successful car ever in the BTCC.

The car will be driven by 2003 champion Yvan Muller and new signing Colin Turkington. James Thompson will not drive for Vauxhall this season as he has signed a deal with the works Alfa Romeo team to drive in this years inagrual WTCC.

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