Matt Neal says he wants it wet at Knockhill when the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship races at the Scottish circuit this coming Sunday (3 September) because rain will offer him his best chance of a victory.

Two of reigning BTCC champion Neal’s 26 career victories have been achieved at the Fife circuit – but only when it has rained.

Neal said: “I seem to struggle at Knockhill when it’s dry so if it’s chucking it down when I open the curtains in the morning I won’t mind.

”In fact I wouldn’t have said up until last year that Knockhill was a particular favourite track of mine, because I’d only ever won there once before. But last year it was wet and I had a very good day. The points I scored were crucial in me winning the title.”

Team Halfords driver Neal will arrive at Knockhill in a similar position to that which he found himself 12 months ago – leading the championship standings but this time with two drivers, Team RAC’s Colin Turkington and SEAT’s Jason Plato, applying considerable pressure.

For the seventh race meeting in a row, Neal’s Honda Integra will go into Knockhill’s BTCC weekend laden with maximum success ballast – an additional 45kgs in weight that the series leader must carry through Saturday’s free practice and qualifying sessions and also Sunday’s first race.

Neal added: “That’s another reason I could do with rain – a wet track helps to even out the weight and I don’t fancy lugging an extra 45kgs up the hill out of the hairpin at the end of the lap in the dry. That will really hurt.”

Admission to Knockhill's BTCC race day is FREE for children aged eight and under, while information on tickets for adults is available by calling the circuit on 01383 723337.

In addition to the BTCC's three rounds on Sunday, there will be another eight races put on by a variety of supporting championships from BMW, Porsche, SEAT, Formula Ford and Caterham.