THE brightest stars from Britain's next generation of world champions could be unearthed at Brands Hatch this weekend as the Kent circuit plays host to the 35th Formula Ford Festival.

Established in 1972, the festival is the end-of-season tournament between the top Formula Ford racers from around the world, who come to Brands for a competition of heats, semi-finals and finals.

Ten former festival winners have gone on to race in Formula 1, including Johnny Herbert (1985), Eddie Irvine (1987), Mark Webber (1996) and Jenson Button (1998).

Nearly 90 drivers from 14 different countries will take part in this year’s event, which marks the festival’s 30th anniversary at Brands.

The festival is divided into three classes according to type of engine: the older Kent machines, the Zetec-powered cars and the new-for-2006 Duratec formula.

A number of local drivers will be taking part, including Sidcup’s Kevin Bottomley, who will be racing in a Kent-powered Van Diemen RF04.

Harry Chapman from Bexley and Colin and Mira Feyerabend from Bromley will all be racing Lolas in the Sports 2000 Duratec series, with Paul Crocker from Sevenoaks in action in his Shrike prototype. Eynsford’s Jason Down competes in a Getem GD316.

Tickets cost £12 on the gate. Admission is free for children aged 12 and under. For more details call 0870 950 9000 or visit www.brandshatch.co.uk.