BRANDS Hatch will host the opening round of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car championship later this month.

There have been many changes amongst the frontrunners, making this season the most open in years and only an April Fool would try and predict a winner when the event takes place over the weekend of march 31 and April 1.

Reigning champions Matt Neal and Honda Racing start the year with a brand new Civic, built to the championship’s new next generation touring car regulations.

The rules, aimed at lowering costs, have seen grids swell to volumes last seen in the 1990s but present new challenges for existing teams.

With a new car to develop, Neal will faced stiff competition from team mate Gordon Shedden as he bids for a record-equalling fourth title.

In addition, two Civics will be built for the Pirtek team, of which one will be driven by 2011 contender Andrew Jordan.

Meanwhile, Neal’s great rival Jason Plato moves from Chevrolet to a brand new MG team.

The Chinese-owned Birmingham marque enters a brace of MG6 saloons prepared by crack squad Triple 8, winners of several titles in the last decade, including Plato’s 2001 championship.

While the partnership is brand new, this pedigree means they cannot be discounted.

Wrotham’s Motorbase outfit staged a strong challenge for the title in 2011 and with continuity in their favour, returning lead driver Mat Jackson will be a dark horse for overall honours this season.

The team start the year with a three-pronged attack, with Liam Griffin and promising Irish newcomer Aron Smith backing up Jackson’s charge.

Veteran outfit West Surrey Racing have also elected to run three cars, their BMWs now powered by turbocharged engines to match the other frontrunners.

Seasoned campaigner Rob Collard will be kept on his toes by fast youngster Tom Onslow-Cole, with Nick Foster retained for a second season.

In addition to the title favourites there are several promising teams and drivers that came on strong last year.

Frank Wrathall was one of the first drivers to take advantage of the new regulations and his Toyota is expected to challenge for wins this season. Rob Austin’s Audi picked up pace during the year, while Thurrock’s AmD Tuning have picked up promising newcomer Ollie Jackson to race their Golf.

And Dartford’s Tony Gilham will be given a huge boost, driving Shedden’s 2011 Civic, so it’ll be impossible to pick a winner for any of the three season-opening races.

In addition to the BTCC, there will be support races from the Renault Clio Cup and fans will be able to follow the progress of Lewis Hamilton’s brother Nicolas, the star of a recent TV documentary.

Formula Renault UK, Porsche Carrera Cup, Ginetta Juniors and Ginetta GT Supercup are also on the bill for a packed weekend of racing.

Tickets for round one of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car championship at Brands Hatch are on sale from £25, with free entry for children aged 12 and under.

For more information, call 0843 453 9000 or visit brandshatch.co.uk

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