The top three drivers in the 2017 Volkswagen Racing Cup will earn the chance to sample a BTCC car in a new initiative being introduced for this season.

Announced at the annual Motorsport Vision Racing media day earlier this week, the test will see the three drivers try their hand at the wheel of the Ford Focus raced in the series by Stewart Lines.

Lines currently acts as series director for the VW Cup, with Maximum Motorsport having taken over the running of the championship last season.

“We’re delighted to be able to offer this unique experience for the first time for Volkwagen Cup competitors,” he said. “The BTCC is the known pinnacle of British Motorsport, so this test is a fantastic opportunity for the experienced talents to sample the Ford in its full glory.

“We’ve seen how many Volkswagen Racing Cup drivers take the natural progression through into the BTCC, and we expect that trend to continue for years to come in the championship.

“We hope this test will give the individuals the chance to develop as drivers as they look onward to progress through the ranks of motorsport.”