IF Matt Neal is to have a successful season in the British Touring Car Championship, routine and ritual are going to play a part.

The Droitwich Spa-based driver is by his own admission "annoyingly superstitious" and follows the same pattern before hurtling around the country's race tracks at break-neck speed.

And it will be no different as Neal, 37, prepares to begin his 14th championship campaign at Donington Park this weekend.

"I am quite superstitious in trying to do well," he said. "I am annoyingly superstitious when it comes to sport - getting dressed the right way and getting in the car the right way."

Surprisingly then, it is his fortune that seems to let him down at the crucial moment.

"I am always up there in races," Neal said. "My Achilles heel has always been my luck -- right place at the wrong time."

And things have not been ideal leading up to this weekend's opener either as Neal, driving the new Honda Integra Type R, and Evesham's Dan Eaves prepare for their second season together with Team Halfords.

Technical problems have thrown a spanner in the works in recent months and drivers have taken time to adjust to new tyres being developed by Dunlop.

But now the team is ready for Donington. "I think we are looking pretty good," Neal added. "We didn't get the cars finished until quite late and we have a few dramas with the suspension.

"Dan and I have got a good relationship and we work well together and that's half the battle."

Neal, who finished fifth in the championship last year and third the year before but has never won it, is raring to go and knows his aim.

Yet he is aware of the challenge ahead.

He said: "I am in it to win it -- that's my one goal. That's my aim, I make no bones about it. Whether it's possible is another question.

"I always think confidence breeds complacency but I am excited going into it.

"It's going to be tight. SEAT have thrown a lot at it. Vauxhall are the champions for the last four years. They have got a very good team and good infrastructure and they are going to be tough to beat."

Another aim for the stalwart speedster is a fifth Independents Trophy crown, a competition for independent drivers.

Neal has also been signed up to front a series of race days at Donington Park once the BTCC has started.

On April 17 and for one day in May, Neal will be hosting a premier race experience where people can get hands-on knowledge of the sport -- and even get behind the wheel.

ITV will televise coverage of this year's BTCC.