BRANDS Hatch is all set to host the first rounds of the new-look Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship this weekend.

The meeting promises to be one of the most closely-fought for years, as drivers and teams have to get used to a host of new technical regulations which have brought the championship into line with World Touring Car rules.

Defending champion Matt Neal only test drove his new Honda Civic Type R for the first time at Brands last week, but the Team Halfords driver, who made history in 2006 by winning back-to-back titles, is still confident that a third BTCC crown is within his reach.

However, Neal will have to work hard to stay ahead of both arch rival and ex-champion Jason Plato in the latest SEAT Cupra, and multiple European Touring Car champion Fabrizio Giovanardi, who has already topped the times in official practice sessions in his Vauxhall Vectra.

Local team Motorbase Performance (Wrotham) will also be a contender for points at Brands, thanks to a strong driver line-up in the form of Gareth Howell and Matt Allison.

Beckenham-based Howell, 26, will take the wheel of an ex-works SEAT Toledo.

He said: "The action is so frenetic on this circuit that anything can happen to anyone. You can be sitting there minding your own business in fourth then find yourself in the lead as the first three get tangled up."

The first rounds of the 2007 championship begin on Sunday.

Race day tickets cost £27 on the gate with admission free for children aged 12 and under. Sunday will also feature a pitlane walkabout, giving fans the chance to get up close to the cars and drivers.

For more information call 0870 950 9000 or visit www.brandshatch.co.uk