Grid revs up for BTCC season opener

THE opening round of the 2023 British Touring Car Championship takes place on 23 April at Donington Park, with the Leicestershire venue's undulating track and huge banks giving spectators a fantastic view of the action.

- Alex Ingram

The national circuit's 1.98-mile layout, which skips the Melbourne hairpin that's part of the Grand Prix course, should deliver some action-packed racing, and many drivers will be out with a huge amount to prove coming into this season.

Reigning champion Tom Ingram will be defending his 2022 crown, and is once again racing for the Bristol Street Motors with Excelr8 team in a Hyundai i30 N Fastback. Ingram won his title the hard way last year, with four drivers entering the final event with a chance of season honours. Taking two wins from pole position and a fifth place in the third reverse-grid race of the day was enough to seal his maiden title.