Reigning Champion Matt Neal has admitted to feeling nervous about his chances in this Sunday's (9 April) opening Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship rounds at Brands Hatch, Kent.
The 39-year-old from Droitwich is aiming to become the first driver for almost 20 years to win back-to-back BTCC titles after emotionally lifting British motor sport's most coveted crown for his father Steve Neal's Team Halfords squad in 2005.
Last week his Honda Integra was fastest in testing at Brands Hatch, but Neal, who has been racing in the BTCC since 1991, is urging caution among those who think he's set for another title-winning season.
Neal says: "You'd think with all the years I've been doing this I'd be as cool as a cucumber, but I still get the nerves just thinking about it. Not because of the occasion, but because I still want to do well and be a contender.
"I don't find it different just because I'm the reigning Champion. In fact, being Champion means I've effectively painted a target on my car. Everyone wants to beat the Champion and if someone sees number 1 on your car then you're the biggest scalp out there to be claimed.
"It was nice to come out on top in the test last week, but it could be that everyone else is holding back. We've got a little bit in reserve just in case, but who knows how much the others have got?"
Neal, though, is confident he is among the favourites to win at Brands Hatch on Sunday and he believes the circuit will be a good indicator of what the rest of the season might hold. He also says the world-famous Kent venue is one of the best for generating excitement on and off the track.
He adds: "The circuit should suit us. It's a circuit where I've always gone well and we've got the Honda working well around there. If we're going to be strong anywhere, it's at Brands Hatch.
"I'm also one for a bit of superstition and our team is now working out of the same workshop in Pershore as Chris Hodgetts and the Toyota team did when they were the last people to defend the title in 1987 - now that's a good omen.
"But I think SEAT and Vauxhall will be really strong, SEAT in particular with the new Leon model and two very experienced drivers in James Thompson and Jason Plato. If those two beat me at Brands then it's an indication of what to expect for the rest of the season. Trouble, in other words..."
"The racing is going to be bloody close all year - real nip and tuck stuff and probably even more so at Brands Hatch because of the sort of place it is," warns Neal. "The fact the circuit is set in an ampitheatre means there is a very exciting atmosphere out on the spectator banks. The fans don't miss a second of what's kicking off around the track.
"Also, unlike some of the circuits, Brands has been able to retain its originality and the crowds are close. They can smell the action."
Crowds at Brands Hatch on 9 April will get to see the BTCC in race action three times, plus another eight supporting races from high-profile championships put on by top car manufacturers BMW, Porsche, Renault and SEAT. The pit lane will also be opened free of charge to spectators and families to meet the BTCC drivers and grab give-aways during a special autograph session.
