Soper returns to touring cars

Soper believes he can win the BTCC

Touring car legend Steve Soper has come out of semi-retirement to drive for Peugeot in the British Touring Car Championship in 2001.

The Briton is to partner Matt Neal, who has dominated the independent category in 2000, and Dan Eaves, who is stepping up from national racing in the National Saloon Car Cup front-runner. They will all drive Touring class 406 Coupes.

Soper, 48, is synonymous with BMW, with whom he had his only competitive outing in 2000, finishing fourth in the Sebring 12 Hours American sportscar classic.

But he has deserted the German marque in favour of the BTCC, a series he has never won.

Soper has been racing sportscars for the last three years

And despite being out of practice, Soper believes that he can win the BTCC crown.

"I'm expecting to be successful," Soper said, "and I'll be very irritated if I'm not.

"I was undecided whether to continue with BMW, or continue to race overseas, or even stop completely," he said.

"[Peugeot sport boss] Mick Linford and [team boss] Vic Lee are good talkers, but once I saw the drawings of the car, I realised it'd be a lot of fun to do the BTCC again."

Soper's best result in the BTCC was second overall in 1993.

Change of face

After the withdrawal of Honda and champions Ford it will be up to Peugeot to make 2001 favourites Vauxhall pull out all the stops.

There have been claims that the championship is losing its appeal but BTCC organisers have chosen to restrict the power of cars eligible for the series in an attempt to generate more competitive racing.

Such has been the interest that up to 28 cars could be vying for places on the grid, with most of these from non-works outfits.

Neal will be looking over his shoulder at Soper

"This series will sell itself," said Neal, who was recruited by Peugeot after a number of tenacious displays as an independent competitor.

"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.

"Just ask the fans - they love it. The cars appeal to young people and they want to come along and watch cars they aspire to driving themselves.

"This year, I've had offers to move to other series but I desperately wanted to stay in this one because I genuinely think touring cars is where it's at."