Chevrolet’s European arm announced today that it will enter the 2010 season of the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) with two manufacturer-backed Cruze sedans. The Silverline Chevrolet team cars will be prepared by the Wellingborough-based RML team, which also looks after Chevy’s WTCC Cruzes.

The first car will be driven by former BTCC champion and 2009 runner-up, Jason Plato, and the second by 19-year old Alex MacDowall.

“The Cruze has already shown itself to be a superb racing car in the World Touring Car Championship,” said Chevrolet Managing Director, Mark Terry.

“So the decision to enter it in the most high profile series in the UK was made much easier. We’re looking forward to an exciting season, and one that will raise the profile of both the Chevrolet brand, and the style and dynamic appeal of the Cruze – a car that has already proven to be a success both on and off the track,” Terry concluded.

Chevrolet’s debut as an official manufacturer-backed team will take place on the first race of the 2010 BTCC season on Easter Sunday, April 4, at Thruxton, Hants.