RETURNING the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship to Silverstone's shorter National Circuit on Sunday for the first time in ten years will prove to be a masterstroke.

So says the man in charge of the BTCC, Alan Gow and the driver currently leading the championship, Matt Neal.

Not since 1995 has the BTCC grid tackled the National lay-out - instead the action has been mainly on the second biggest of Silverstone's three tracks, the International Circuit, with some races on the full-sized Grand Prix loop.

But, BTCC Series Director Gow is convinced that the welcome reintroduction of the National Circuit will create some ultra-intense racing among the championship's star drivers, particularly as the title race enters its penultimate round this weekend.

Treasure

"The National circuit is a hidden treasure," Gow admitted. "The competition in touring cars is tighter than in any other championship and, when you think how close the racing used to be around the National circuit, then it doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out what lies in store for the spectators.

"The short lay-out means more laps for the drivers and the crowds - in other words, even better value for money.

There'll also once again be the sight of the BTCC cars fanning out maybe up to four abreast down the old National straight. The atmosphere and sense of occasion is going to be something else."

Team Halfords Honda Integra driver Neal has raced on the National circuit in the BTCC previously and believes the track is going to provide spectators with some great racing.

He will arrive at Silverstone with a 30-point championship lead and could, mathematically, put the title out of his rivals' reach.

Neal, teammate of third in the points standings Moreton-in-Marsh driver Dan Eaves, said: "This is a really good move and I'd say that any one of ten drivers could win there - that might not be what I need right now, but it will be great for the crowds.

"I've got some good and bad memories of racing around the National circuit, particularly under braking for Brooklands corner at the end of the long National straight - there are always drama and heroics going into there."

There will be three BTCC races on Sunday, with eight more put on by supporting championships from prestige motor manufacturers BMW, Porsche, Renault and SEAT. That's 11 races in one day for just £20 per adult on the gate.

There are also some great discount ticket offers available by visiting the BTCC's official website www.btcc.net or www.silverstone-circuit.co.uk

Children aged 15 and under get in for free, making it a terrific family day out.