Confirmed dates for the 2005 MSA British Touring Car Championship have been released today and include returns to Silverstone’s National and Brands Hatch’s Grand Prix circuits.

BTCC Series Director Alan Gow said: ‘My priority was to ensure that none of our races conflict with Formula One Grands Prix next year – something that is vitally important to our TV scheduling, more details of which will be announced at a later date.

‘The return to Silverstone’s ‘National’ layout means more/shorter laps and added action for our fans. We last raced there in 1995 and the racing was always full of drama and incident, particularly for spectators in the grandstands around Woodcote corner – the sight of the BTCC field arriving head-on down the Club straight into the stadium section with cars fanned out across the track made for an unforgettable spectacle.

‘I am delighted that Jonathan Palmer and Motorsport Vision have reaffirmed their full support of the BTCC by wishing to retain all their rounds. This support includes a return to Brands Hatch’s full-length Grand Prix circuit for the final event, which will provide another exciting, new element to the championship. We are also hoping to install a large Starvision screen at this event, so spectators don’t miss out on any of the action that takes place on the GP section.

‘It should be noted that Rockingham did not seek a date on our calendar, as the circuit had made a policy decision not to host any high-profile championships other than its own. We also seriously considered taking the BTCC to Castle Combe for the first time, but unfortunately there is no room on our calendar for them at this time. However, make no mistake – Castle Combe is certainly top of our list of new venues to visit in the near future.

‘I believe our 2005 calendar provides the BTCC, our partners and our fans with a great geographical spread and, allied to the use of the two different circuit lay-outs at Silverstone and Brands Hatch, also gives a couple of new and interesting tweaks to the championship.’

For all the latest BTCC news and results visit the championship’s official website www.btcc.net.

For more details contact:

Carl McKellar
BTCC Press Office
T +44 (0)20 7384 8737
F +44 (0)20 7384 1238
M +44 (0)7786 138905
E carl.mckellar@mpamedia.co.uk
E btcc@mpamedia.co.uk