VX Racing’s title hopes are on course this afternoon after the team recorded a 1-2-3 in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship qualifying at Thruxton.

Lead driver, Fabrizio Giovanardi, is nine points off the championship lead and Vauxhall is winning the manufacturers battle making tomorrow’s three races, the last of the season, absolutely crucial.

The Italian will start from second on the grid after team-mate Tom Chilton put in a stunning lap of 1:17.269, 0.170s ahead of Giovanardi. Vauxhall’s guest third driver, double BTCC champion Alain Menu, will start from third.

Giovanardi’s title rival Jason Plato stole fourth place in the last few minutes of the
30-minute session after circulating in sixth for much of qualifying.

Tom Chilton #7
“I loved it! I basically knew 15 minutes into the qualifying that pole position would be mine. I had to avoid Fiona Leggate coming out of the last chicane and lost two-tenths so my pole position time could have been even quicker.

“The Vauxhall Vectra was absolutely perfect! I couldn’t have wished for better.”

Fabrizio Giovanardi #5
“We can’t be too happy because Plato is still in fourth, but it’s still a brilliant situation to have all three cars on the front of the grid.
“The car got the best balance you can have around this circuit. To me it feels like the calm before the storm; the nerves have not started yet.”

Alain Menu #88
“It is the perfect scenario for Vauxhall. It was always going to be difficult for me; alright, I know Thruxton but I haven’t been here for seven years. I did help Fabrizio a little bit. I gave him a tow and then went out and improved my own time.”

Provisional Qualifying Results Thruxton
1. Tom Chilton, (Vauxhall Vectra) 1:17.269
2. Fabrizio Giovanardi (Vauxhall Vectra) +0.170
3. Alain Menu (Vauxhall Vectra) +0.342
4. Jason Plato (SEAT Leon) +0.587
5. Matt Neal (Honda Civic) +0.618
6. Colin Turkington (BMW 320si) +0.660
7. Darren Turner (SEAT Leon) +0.678
8. Mike Jordon (Honda Integra) +0.750

Notes to editors:

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.