ITV1, the UK's biggest commercial terrestrial television channel, will further significantly increase its commitment to the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship by broadcasting live coverage from all ten of this season's championship rounds on Sunday afternoons.

Alan Gow, BTCC series director, is delighted with the arrangement in what will be ITV1's fifth consecutive year of screening Britain's most famous and popular motor racing championship.

Gow says: "The fact that a network, of the size and importance of ITV, is prepared to make such a major commitment fully endorses the BTCC's standing as one of the UK's biggest sporting spectacles.

"In the long and proud history of the championship, this is the largest TV broadcasting arrangement it has ever had. Everyone involved in the BTCC - our teams, manufacturers, drivers, sponsors and partners - will benefit tremendously from this expanded coverage.

"This is also great news for the BTCC's millions of fans across the UK. In fact, it's fantastic news for the whole of UK motor sport and I would like to sincerely thank ITV1 for their valued and vital support of this great series. We've got an absolutely cracking season in store, so roll on April 9!"

Mark Sharman, controller of ITV Sport added: "The BTCC provides some of the best motor sport action seen anywhere in the world. ITV has played a key role in the championship's growth and I'm delighted that this is to continue."

The season's opener, featuring Moreton-in-the-Marsh ace Dan Eaves, who will be looking to improve on his third place finish in 2005, takes place at Brands Hatch.

It's then over to Mondelo Park in Ire-land on April 23 before visits to Oulton Park (May 14) and Thruxton, where Eaves recorded an historic treble last year, on June 4.

Other fixtures: July 16 Croft; July 30 Donington Park; August 13 Snetterton; September 3 Knockhill; September 24 Brands Hatch; October 15 Silverstone.