WORCESTERSHIRE'S Matt Neal heralded a bright new dawn for the British Touring Car Championship after being announced as Peugeot's star turn for their return to the series next year.
The 33-year-old Hanbury-based driver spearheads a three-man Peugeot line-up which combines youth and experience, with Neal being joined by rookie Dan Eaves and veteran Steve Soper.
After the withdrawal from the series of two of this year's three competing manufacturers -- Honda and champions Ford -- it will be up to Peugeot to make 2001 favourites Vauxhall pull out all the stops.
And while the loss of those two big guns has led to claims that the championship is dying on its feet, Neal believes the change in regulations which has reduced operating costs will prove to be a shot in the arm.
"This series will sell itself," said Neal, who was recruited by Peugeot after a number of tenacious displays as an independent competitor with Pershore-based Team Dynamics which established him as the 'people's champion'.
"Every sport has its critics. But I honestly believe the BTCC has the best drivers and the best racing in the world. It's up there in the premier league."
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