Brands Hatch’s Green Flag MSA British Touring Car Championship grid will be boosted by additional entries from the Edenbridge Racing and Team Quest/Varta squads. Both will field ETCC-spec cars, the former its spectacular BMW 320i and the latter a Honda Civic Type R. Justin Keen and Richard Marsh will drive the cars respectively.

Some believe Tonbridge-based Edenbridge will make an immediate impact on its return to the BTCC. The BMW is one of the strongest forces in European Touring Car racing and its rear-wheel-drive transmission is known to suit Brands’ tight Indy circuit lay-out. Driver Keen is out to impress on his BTCC debut after strong performances in international Formula 3000 and sportscars.

Edenbridge is also seeking to become the second team in the championship to challenge for race wins with an ETC-spec car - Jason Plato took a sensational victory for SEAT Sport UK on its BTCC debut at Thruxton on Easter Sunday with the Toledo Cupra model the Spanish manufacturer races in Europe.

But said Edenbridge team boss Peter Briggs: “It will be very tough out there. Bear in mind that SEAT had quite a bit of testing prior to Thruxton, whereas we’ve had just one shakedown day with Justin in the car.

“Give us more time and I think we can cause a few surprises. I would certainly fancy our chances when the BTCC returns to Brands in August. Then again, who knows? Something special could happen this weekend - it’s not unknown for Brands to throw up a shock result.”

Marsh, meanwhile, hopes to build on the experience he gained driving as a BTCC rookie in the second half of last season. He previously raced in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB - one of the BTCC’s five support championships that will be in action at Brands Hatch this weekend alongside those from BMW, Renault and SEAT