Television network ITV will significantly expand its coverage of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship’s three rounds at Brands Hatch, Kent on 19 August, with live Sunday afternoon broadcasts on both its ITV4 and ITV1 channels.
ITV4 will show a complete re-run of race one before cutting to the circuit for full live coverage of race two. This is in addition to the previously already confirmed live broadcast of race three on terrestrial channel ITV1 that will follow later in the afternoon.
Transmission times are:
ITV4: 12.30pm-2.30pm
ITV1: 2.50pm-4.20pm
The expanded coverage means a total of three and a half hours’ air time of action for free-to-air television viewers across the UK of what is the latest instalment of Jason Plato’s and Fabrizio Giovanardi’s fight to become the 2007 BTCC Drivers’ Champion.
Meanwhile, the re-scheduling of ITV’s transmission times has meant alterations to the race day timetable, with the three BTCC races now set to start at 10.50am, 1.35pm and 3.40pm respectively. A full timetable is available from the official BTCC.net website’s Calendar section.
BTCC Series Director Alan Gow says: “ITV’s continued commitment to the BTCC should be applauded. Viewers have been kept on the edge of their seats by the action so far and now, thanks to ITV, they will be able to savour all three Brands Hatch races in their entirety – two of them live – as the season reaches a critical stage. I’m sure all BTCC fans will join me in congratulating ITV on its decision.”
Nick Moody, ITV Sport’s Series Editor, adds: “Brands Hatch could have a major bearing on the outcome of this year’s BTCC title and during the weekend we now have an opportunity on both ITV4 and ITV1 to give greater air time to the championship and give viewers extended coverage of what is a very exciting rivalry.”
Plato, who drives for SEAT, currently leads the championship by 14 points from Vauxhall’s Italian ace Giovanardi. But with 15 points per win and nine rounds – including the three at Brands Hatch – to go, that lead could quickly vanish. Also with a chance of the title are Team Halfords Honda team-mates Matt Neal, the reigning champion, and Gordon Shedden.
Tickets to see the event are still available at a reduced price – £21.00 instead of £27.00 on the gate – if booked online at brandshatch.co.uk by midday Tuesday 14 August. Admission for children is FREE.
* Programme times given subject to change.
