YORK'S reigning British Touring Car champion, James Thompson, is all set to defend his prestigious title in the 2003 season following the unveiling of his new Vauxhall Racing Astra Coup at Brands Hatch.

Thompson, 28-years-old, will be competing in his tenth successive BTCC season. He is driving for Vauxhall Racing alongside fellow Brit Paul O'Neill and Frenchman Yvan Muller.

Speaking at the unveiling of his new car, he said: "We've worked hard over the winter months to develop the car, and testing has been going well.

"Obviously, until the first wheels turn in anger it's impossible to say how we compare to the opposition, but I'm confident that we're in good shape and I'm looking forward to defending my title!"

The season gets underway over the Easter weekend of April 21-22 at the Mondello Park circuit in Ireland.

Updated: 11:37 Saturday, April 05, 2003