A grid of 30 cars will line up for the British Touring Cars opener this weekend

Brands Hatch hosts the opening round of the British Touring Car Championship this weekend, with four champions lining up on a packed grid.

Reigning champion Gordon Shedden is embarking on his first title defence while teammate Matt Neal is chasing a record fourth BTCC crown.

Shedden (below) was glad the pressure of winning the title was off and expects another tough battle this year.

"It takes the pressure off now my name is on the trophy," he said.

"There’s a good half a dozen in with a chance and there could even be 12 drivers able to win races."

But he’s not content with just the one trophy, as he looks to get near the achievements of Neal.

"It’s got to be a goal to pursue year on year," he said. "Both Matt and Jason (Plato) are in their mid-40s and I’ve got 10 years on them. I’ll try and maximise the opportunities."

2009 champion Colin Turkington is racing in a brand new BMW 1-Series.

"It could be the best car we’ve ever built or it could take a bit of work," he said. "If it goes as well as it looks it’ll be a great package.

"The buzz and excitement about a BTCC race is something you never forget, especially at a theatre like Brands Hatch."

The fourth champion, Plato, will be a tough man to beat.

And he has a new teammate, in rookie Sam Tordoff, who is also tipped for wins.

"It is in my interest to have a quick team mate," said Plato. "With regard to watching my back...that’s an absolutely vital skill in the BTCC."