Driver and team thoughts on the BTCC 2001.

At the media launch of the British Touring Car Championship the drivers and teams had plenty to say. Read what they hope to do in 2001:

BTC Touring:

Peugeot Sport

Mick Linford - Peugeot Motorsport Director:

"We all look forward to the newly structured BTCC. The new regulations suit us as a manufacturer and I am confident will suit the spectators and viewers. Our racecar has proved to be 100% reliable with over 200 laps of Silverstone National circuit completed without a single problem - and reliability will be a key factor in this year's championship. We now need more dry track time to fine tune what has so far shown to be an extremely promising package. Peugeot's first race win, I am confident, is just round the corner."

Steve Soper - Peugeot Sport (Driver):

"I am feeling very positive about the championship at the moment having seen the car come together. The car looks good and although it's a bit early, often when it looks good it's competitive. I think the new regulations should be good, obviously the championship needs time to get going and I think by the second part of the season when the bugs are out of the way we will see some a cracking championship with close racing and a spectacle for the spectators."

Matt Neal - Peugeot Sport (Driver):

"I am excited about the car, it feels good after our initial test, it looks good and I am looking forward to the start of the season. I feel the championship will bring closer racing this season exactly what the public want."

Vauxhall

Mike Nicholson - Vauxhall (Motorsport Manager):

"This year marks a new era in the history of the BTCC, a year in which Vauxhall Motorsport is looking forward to a fresh new challenge. Much thought has been put into the rule changes and I am sure that the racing will be closer than ever, providing not only tough competition between teams but also a great spectacle for the championship's followers."

Derrick Warwick - Vauxhall (Team Manager):

"What the BTCC has to offer is hard, door-to-door racing that's both exciting and unpredictable. The new regulations are there for the right reasons, to produce affordable but thrilling on-track action. It's the right way to go and I think we will see more cars on the grid as the new championship develops."

Yuan Muller - Vauxhall (Driver):

"I see this as a transitional year from the old to the new BTCC. The new rules will work well. They may not be perfect yet but they are certainly going in the right direction. I am quite optimistic about the year ahead. It should be very interesting."

Jason Plato - Vauxhall (Driver):

"The new championship as it stands should produce excellent racing. The cars aren't quite as clever as the old Super Tourers and won't mask any mistakes that the drivers, as human beings, will occasionally make. Better racing for a lot less cost - sounds like the perfect formula."

Team Egg Sport

James Thompson - Team Egg Sport (Driver):

"The cars this year are a lot better than I expected. It doesn't have as much power or grip and it moves around a bit, but it's exciting to drive and looks stunning. As the braking distances are longer, it's really going to open up the racing. The rules have achieved everything they set out to do."

BTC Production Class:

Tech-Speed

Paul O'Neill - Tech-speed (Driver):

"Motor racing has always been in my blood since I was a child. My last two years contesting the MGF Cup have given me a great grounding. This year, new regulations for the BTCC have meant we are seeing a new breed of racers contesting the series. I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to be part of the largest domestic motorsport series in the UK, racing against the best touring car drivers in Britain. Everything has fallen into place. I have the best car in the class, am part of a well-established winning team and with age on my side I aim to give it my best shot."

Team B & Q

John B & Q (Top Gear) - Team B & Q (Driver):

"I'm really looking forward to this year. The size of the girds and the ay the series has been organised are going to make it a great spectacle and that should be good for spectators and sponsors alike. At my age, 42, I'm just pleased to be on the grid. But I will be trying very hard to win. Remember you can do it if you B-and-Q it!"

Barwell Motorsport

James Kaye - Barwell Motorsport (Driver):

"This year's series is going to be really exciting. I think there's going to be some very closely fought battles for each championship and I certainly plan to be part of the fight for the Production Class title."