VX Racing Vauxhall VectrasVauxhall will pull out of the British Touring Car Championship at the end of this season.

Triple Eight Engineering is running three Vectras this year for reigning double champion Fabrizio Giovanardi, Matt Neal and Andrew Jordan, but Vauxhall will not continue in the series into 2010, citing the absence of rival manufacturers and the economic downtoun as the reasons for its departure.

Vauxhall's Andy Gibson said: "The company has enjoyed immense success with BTCC, both on track and as a focal marketing activity, however a number of factors have led us to take the decision to withdraw from the championship at the end of this season.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Triple Eight for turning our road cars into some of the most successful BTCC entrants in its history.

"I would also like to thank the drivers who have piloted our cars to victory. I would like to think we can end our run in touring cars with another title-winning season."