Thousands of spectators are expected at Brands Hatch this weekend for the first three rounds of the 2015 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

After a winter of multiple team and driver line-up changes, the first races on Easter Sunday will kick start what is set to be an unpredictable year.

One of the new faces for 2015 is triple World Touring Car champion Andy Priaulx, who returns to the championship for the first time since 2002.

The Guernsey-based driver will join a field of 28 touring cars at the West Kingsdown track this weekend, handling a BMW 1-series for reigning champion team WSR.

Speaking to KentOnline at the pre-event test day this afternoon, the 40-year-old said: "I'm really happy to be coming home to be honest.

"I've spent 13 years on the road travelling all over the place and I've missed family growing up and my friends.

"I got the chance to bring my long time sponsors into the championship and it all came together."

"The Indy circuit is incredibly challenging, but I love Brands Hatch – I just can't wait to get started."

Despite having various touring car titles to his name, Priaulx is aware of the tough competition in 2015.

Last year's champion Colin Turkington has switched to Team BMR, where he will campaign a Volkswagen Passat CC alongside 2014 runner-up Jason Plato.

The championship's 2013 victor Andrew Jordan has also made a pre-season move, jumping to the works MG squad with Pirtek Racing.

They will compete against an unchanged Honda Yuasa Racing line-up of previous title holders Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden, joining a grid of 13 different models of car representing 11 of the world’s manufacturers.

Priaulx, who will race for Team IHG Rewards Club, added: "There are at least 10 to 15 names who can win races. You could easily be 15th - it's just the way it is.

"My chances are good - as good as anyone else's. I haven't raced with most of the guys and I will learn who to trust and who not to trust.

"I've raced with Jason (Plato) and Matt (Neal) and know their characters quite well but I don't know the other guys.

"I aim to be competitive, win races and be a contender. I'm an ambitious rookie."

Priaulx will join two Kent-based racers this weekend.

Dartford's Andy Wilmot will pilot a Proton Gen-2 for Welch Motorsport, while last year's Renault Clio Cup champion Mike Bushell, of Tunbridge Wells, will handle the AMD Tuning.com Ford Focus.

Dartford-based RCIB Insurance Racing will also take to the grid, running 25-year-old Kieran Gallagher.

Priaulx finished: "It's a great weekend to come along to and the weather looks good.

"It's a great spectacle here at Brands and not only with the three touring car races but the support races are very strong.

"The Indy circuit always provides a great theatre to watch it."

Tickets cost £14 on Saturday and £32 on Sunday for raceday, with children under 13 going free.

Visit www.brandshatch.co.uk for details.