AFTER making its public debut at Autosport International, Volvo's stunning new BTCC challenger, the S40, headed straight off to Italy to test for the first time against 1997 Touring Car competition it will face at Oulton Park in Cheshire.

Swedish ace Rickard Rydell took the all-new 1997 contender through its paces at the sun-drenched Italian circuit during four days of intensive tyre assessment, accompanied by seven other Michelin rubber-clad teams. Rydell's 1:15.2 on slicks was the fastest time recorded during the eight car test, which included Nissan, Peugeot, Alfa, Opel, Renault, Honda and BMW.

The all-new race-car, sure to be a front-runner in this year's Championship, replaces the highly successful 850 in the Super Touring series. Volvo has competed in the BTCC since its return to motorsport in 1994 - the Volvo Estate captured the headlines in '94, while in 1995, with the new 850 Saloon, driver Rickard Rydell took a record 13 pole positions and four race wins on his way to third place overall.

Rydell, 29, now entering his fourth year in the BTCC, is considered to be one of the world's leading touring car drivers and, as in 1996, is partnered this year by former British Formula Three Champion, Britain's Kelvin Burt.

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