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[WTCC] Brits Rule In Thrilling Race Series |
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Monday, 15 May 2006 |
BRITS RULE IN THRILLING RACE SERIES
Forget your World Cup woes and switch to a sport where you can still hear the British bulldog growl - literally!
The mighty engines of the FIA World Touring Car Championship will be blasting into Brands Hatch this weekend, where the World Champion - Britain's Andy Priaulx - will be defending his title.
"It was great to bring the World Cup to Britain for the first time," said Priaulx, from Guernsey. "But now I'm a moving target. Every one of the 36 drivers wants my title and you can't rule anyone out - the racing's that close."
The WTCC is one of only three World Championships backed by the sport's governing body, the FIA, and comes to Brands Hatch after a hugely successful debut year.
The WTCC's driver pedigree is exceptional, with four ex-F1 drivers including Italian superstar Alex Zanardi. Last year Alex performed the incredible by scoring his first victory since losing both his legs in a horrific Champ Car accident in 2001.
Outside F1, the WTCC drivers include five former British Touring Car Champions - James Thompson, Yvan Muller, Alain Menu, Rickard Rydell and Gabriele Tarquini - all of whom know Brands Hatch like the back of their hand.
Muller in particular has something to prove after Priaulx beat the Frenchman on his own turf at Magny-Cours last month in front of 65,000 home fans.
With the added excitement of the Anglo-Franco rivalry, the racing - to be shown live on Eurosport and ITV1 - can be relied upon to deliver high-octane battles and wheel-towheel action.
So why keep your fingers crossed for Jenson Button? The nation already has a racing star flying the Union Flag from the top of the podium, in a championship which is arguably the most gripping on television.
Race day is Sunday May 21st and the track action will be supported by a fun fair and family entertainment.
Brands Hatch is located in Kent, just 20 miles from central London, off the A20. To book tickets visit www.motorsportdirect.co.uk or ring the hotline on 0870 950 9000 for
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