Live coverage on ITV4 and ITV4 HD, plus qualifying online

The 2011 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car championship gets underway this weekend at Brands Hatch, with Jason Plato and Alex Macdowall leading the charge in the Silverline Chevrolet official works-backed Cruzes.

With the first three races of the season on the action-packed Brands Hatch Indy Circuit, the Chevrolet Cruze returns to the track on which it sealed its 2010 Drivers Championship Victory in the hands of Jason Plato.

But this year, the BTCC Cruze, built by Wellingborough-based RML, is all-new, with a livery resembling that of the Chevrolet World Touring Car team.

“The circuit’s a great hit with the fans, and last time we were there we won the championship,” said Plato. “It’ll be great to start the season somewhere where we’re so well supported, but this time without the championship going right down to the wire. It’ll be great to see how the new car performs on a circuit where we know the old one was absolutely brilliant.”

Plato’s team-mate, Alex MacDowall, is once again the youngest driver on the grid at the age of 20, but this year he’s coming out fighting. “Last year was all about experience for me,” said the Carlisle-based youngster. “This year is all about points, and a determination to get on the podium. With Silverline Chevrolet and RML behind me, I couldn’t ask for a better opportunity.”

The action starts on Saturday April 2 with qualifying, which for the first time ever will be streamed live on ITV’s website, itv.com.  Live raceday coverage begins at 11.30am through until 6.00pm, on Sunday April 3, and includes all three BTCC races, along with action from all of the series’ support races.

But the best way to see the action is to experience it live. Tickets for Brands Hatch, near Fawkham in Kent, cost £25 per adult with free entry for under 12s.