The provisional calendar for upcoming 2008 Volkswagen Racing Cup has been released. Set to include an extra two rounds, taking the total up to 14, the championship will once again be the chief saloon-race support to the British Formula 3 and British GT Championships, and as in previous seasons will boast extensive Sky Sports TV coverage.

Rounds 1 & 2 - 24 March at Oulton Park, Cheshire
Rounds 3 & 4 - 26 May at Rockingham, Northants
Rounds 5 & 6 - 8 June at Snetterton, Norfolk
Rounds 7 & 8 - 29 June at Thruxton, Hampshire
Rounds 9 & 10 - 13 July at Brands Hatch, Kent
Rounds 11 & 12 - 17 August at Silverstone, Northants
Rounds 13 & 14 - 21 September at Donington Park, Leicestershire

The expansion to 14 races marks the coming of age of the series, believes championship manager Melissa Wright of Volkswagen Racing UK: 'In 2001 the Volkswagen Racing Cup pioneered the concept of the "compact championship" for time-poor drivers, with 12 races spread over just six weekends. Now, after seven seasons, we think the series has grown enough to add a new competitive dimension. It's something the drivers have requested and we are pleased to offer it.'

The move is being welcomed by teams: 'Each of the Volkswagen Racing Cup weekends is a very enjoyable event,' says Dave Turner, whose team won three races in 2007, 'and an extra one during the season will be warmly received, I'm sure. It will mean more work for us but a championship always needs to change and move forwards.'

The Volkswagen Racing Cup will kick off at Oulton Park's Easter meeting alongside British GT and F3 and will feature rounds at Rockingham, Snetterton, Thruxton, Brands Hatch and Silverstone ahead of a September finale at Donington Park.

In keeping with the championship's policy of technical rule stability, Wright says there are very few changes in the pipeline for 2008. One new feature will be to allow one of the championship's mainstay models, the Beetle RSI, to adopt Volkswagen's 3.2-litre V6 engine. Beetle driver Darren Blumson successfully trialled a 3.2-equipped car at the end of the '07 season and a number of drivers are expected to follow his lead.

'Interest in the championship for 2008 is running high,' says Wright. 'We are receiving enquiries from many drivers new to Volkswagen racing, as well as from the long-time supporters. There are several new cars either in build or being sourced: it's all very encouraging.'

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