BRANDS Hatch will be hosting the opening round of the FIM Sidecar World Championship this weekend.

The 1.2-mile Indy circuit will witness the bravery of the sidecar riders as they hang precariously from the side of the 1000cc, 200bhp machines.

The bikes will reach speeds of up to 150mph, while the new 'success ballast' regulations have been designed to even up the field and make the racing even closer.

Jonathan Palmer, Motorsport Vision chief executive, said: "This is another world class championship at Brands Hatch to sit alongside our existing round of the World Superbikes.

"Sidecars are another completely different form of motorsport that we are introducing to Brands Hatch. They bare unique machines and I would put sidecar passengers ahead of even rally navigators in the bravery category."

The new format features a series of short, sharp heats followed by semi-finals and a final. A Sprint and a Feature race will then follow.

Tickets for the event cost £10 per adult in advance or £12 on the gate, with children under 12 going free. To book tickets visit www.motorsportdirect.co.uk or phone 0870 9509000.