Chevrolet back

Independent team Robertshaw Racing have bought a pair of Lacettis from RML, who run the manufacturer's World Touring Car team [pictured], and have given one to SEAT Cupra Cup graduate Harry Vaulkhard, 22.

"Our BTCC programme marks a major expansion for our company and we'll almost be doubling the amount of full-time staff here, but we feel ready," said team principal Gary Robertshaw.

"That's given us a good insight into the BTCC and although we know it's going to be a very tough challenge we won't be going into 2008 with our eyes completely shut. However, running the latest S2000-spec Chevrolets alongside the older BTC-spec Hondas will mean having to divide the team into two squads.

"It would have been easy to opt for a proven car in the BTCC such as a BMW or a SEAT, but the Chevrolets mark us out from the crowd. As pointed out, it's going to be a big learning curve - the Chevrolets have never competed on Dunlop tyres before - but we have a solid amount of testing planning, including running alongside the factory Chevrolet squad in Spain to give us an idea of our performance.

"This is a long-term project, although I'd certainly like to think we can begin rattling the bigger teams' cages towards the end of next season and into 2009."

The driver of the second Chevrolet is yet to be confirmed, but Tom Onslow-Cole, who was a race-winner in his rookie BTCC season, is a candidate following his release from WSR BMW.

Chevrolet were a staple part of the BTCC in the 1960s and seventies. Frank Gardner delivered the manufacturer's sole title in 1973.

In addition to the pair of Lacettis, Robertshaw are aiming to run Alan Taylor in a Honda Integra, as they did for the final two rounds of this season, and young ace Michael Doyle in an ex-Tom Chilton Honda Civic.