James Thompson and Robert Huff are gunning for double FIA World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx as the three Britons prepare for their home round of the WTCC, at Brands Hatch on September 23.
BMW star Priaulx is aiming to make home advantage count against the international field as he shoots for a remarkable hat-trick of WTCC titles, while Chevrolet ace Huff and Alfa Romeo contender Thompson are riding into town on a high after excellent results in the latest races, at Anderstorp. Huff took his first win of the season at the Swedish track, while Thompson scored his first podium finish since his double win at Valencia in May.
“I had a rough start to the season, but we got back on the pace and now my confidence is back to where it should be,” said Huff. “I can’t wait for Brands. I’ve got loads of supporters coming to see me race. It’s my biggest buzz of the year and one of my favourite tracks. Brands hold special memories for me, as I scored my first ever win in touring cars there in 2004.”
Thompson is confident of showing well too. “On the Brands Grand Prix circuit I always seem to win or have a big crash!” he said. “The car should be good there this year and local knowledge always counts for a lot. I’ll hit the ground running at Brands.”
Priaulx, meanwhile, is fighting for the title with fellow BMW drivers Augusto Farfus and Jorg Muller. “Brands is a crunch weekend,” he said. “I’m just hoping that, after the British summer we’ve had, we have a sunny weekend, because changeable conditions don’t seem to suit our set-up. Last year was terrible at Brands – I was leading the second race and fired it off into the gravel, so it was pretty bad news. I’m desperate to do well in front of my home crowd.”
So, two gunslingers with a point to prove to title-rustler Priaulx; and a champion with vengeance in mind after copping a Brands bullet in 2006. Don’t miss it – and don’t get caught in the crossfire.
Adult admission on Sunday 23 September costs £30, but only £24 if you book online at .motorsportvision.co.uk, with an online weekend ticket costing £34.
Children aged 12 and under go free.
Grandstand seating starts at £5 and the Raceday Pit Walkabout, which opens at 09:00 on Sunday, costs £12. Advance booking is available from the Ticket Hotline on 08709 509000 and closes at noon on Tuesday 18 September.
