THE Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship kicks off at Brands Hatch this weekend.

Eighteen cars are expected on the grid for the first round of Britain’s most popular car racing championship.

Official testing took place on March 28 and 2005 champion Matt Neal proved he will be the man to beat once more as he set the fastest time in the Team Halfords Honda Integra.

Close behind was Tom Chilton and, having already proved himself a race winner, he is poised for a title attack with VX Racing. Two-time BTCC champion James Thompson was third quickest for SEAT.

The first race on Sunday is at 11.20am with the second getting underway at 1.25pm.

Tickets will be available on the gate and cost £26, with children aged 12 and under admitted free.