Brands Hatch will be the venue for a milestone event this weekend when the British Touring Car Championship revs up for its 50th season.

The circuit will host the opening round of a championship that began in 1958 and it is a campaign that is expected to produce one of the most hard fought competitions in touring car history.

Several teams have showed some fine form during winter testing and three former title winners will line up on the grid.

VX Racing duo Matt Neal and reigning champion Fabrizio R Giovanardi will feature, together with 2001 title winner Jason Plato.

SEAT will be a strong contender this year following the team's switch to diesel power, while BMW Dealer Team UK's Mat Jackson is a frontrunner in the independent drivers' championship.

As part of the build up, the Kent circuit has also been honouring champions of yesteryear recently, with 1958 title contenders Jack Sears and Tommy Sopwith recently visiting the course.

Tickets cost from £22 for adults, with free entry for children aged 12 and under. For more information call 0870 950 9000.