Thousands of spectators are expected at Lydden Hill this weekend when the FIA World Rallycross Championship heads to Kent for its only British meeting.

Held at the birthplace of the sport, more than 60 drivers from three different classes will do battle at the one-mile circuit on Saturday and Sunday.

About 15,000 people watched Citroen driver Petter Solberg beat Swede Mattias Ekstrom to the win in Kent last year, but the latter heads to Lydden this weekend at the top of the standings after scoring back-to-back wins in Germany and Belgium.

World-famous stunt driver Ken Block and nine-time world rally champion Sebastien Loeb will join them in the headlining Supercar class, both racing in Kent for the first time.

They will be sharing the stage with American Top Gear presenter Tanner Foust, who will return to Lydden for the seventh consecutive year aboard a VW Polo.

The 42-year-old - who has won twice at the circuit before - said: “I feel very lucky to be able to compete at Lydden Hill again this year.

“As the birthplace of rallycross, the track has a lot of history to it and I jumped at the chance to add the World RX of Great Britain to my competition schedule.”

British star Liam Doran – son of circuit owner Pat – will be looking to impress in his BMW Mini after switching to the JRM World Rallycross Team for 2016.

He will be joined in the 24-strong class by fellow Brit Guy Wilks - who starred last year by making it to the final - and multiple British Rallycross champion Julian Godfrey, both at the wheel of Ford Fiestas.

In the supporting classes, 29 Super 1600 machines will join 10 RX Lites.

Devon-based teenager Dan Rooke will pilot an OlsbergsMSE-prepared Lite, competing on the world championship stage for the first time.

"It is a fabulous opportunity to bring the back the old cars that so many spectators remember and love..." - Shirley Gibson

Alongside the competitive action, the popular Group B rallycross demonstrations will return this weekend.

The display – which will feature historic MG Metro 6R4s and Ford RS200s – has been organised by Shirley Gibson.

She said: “It is a fabulous opportunity to bring the back the old cars that so many spectators remember and love.

“The display has proven a definite crowd favourite when we have brought it to previous World and European rallycross rounds at Lydden Hill.”

Action starts at 9am on Saturday and 10.30am on Sunday. Tickets cost £30 on the gate for Saturday and £35 on Sunday, with under 12s going free. Visit www.lyddenhill.co.uk for details.