AUTOSPORT title sponsor for World Rallycross round at Lydden Hill

The series gained world championship status at the end of the last year, a major step forward for promoter IMG Motorsports, which took over the rights for 2013.

In addition to its new status, the championship has attracted a host of star names for the 2014 season, including former Formula 1 champion Jacques Villeneuve.

Reigning British Touring Car champion Andrew Jordan will meanwhile be among those making guest appearances at Lydden Hill, which will undergo a major facelift in time for the May 24-25 event.

"We are proud to be supporting such an outstanding and exciting milestone in UK motor sport history as the AUTOSPORT World RX of Great Britain," said Charles Bradley, editor of AUTOSPORT.

"Since being founded in 1950, AUTOSPORT has reported tirelessly on the evolution of motor sport and the advent of a new FIA sanctioned World Rallycross Championship is the latest thrilling development on that timeline.

"It not only provides a spectacular new globetrotting show for existing race and rally fans to savour but also opens up the sport to a fresh, younger 'X Games' style of audience which has huge significance for all of us involved in this sector."

Lydden Hill owner Pat Doran added: "We are elated that AUTOSPORT has agreed to support what is a momentous milestone in the history of both Lydden Hill and rallycross.

"The sport was born here at Lydden and now, more than 50 years later, has reached official world championship status with the inaugural AUTOSPORT World RX of Great Britain.

"We have already sold record numbers of advanced tickets and we are now expecting a bumper sellout crowd as befits such a special occasion."

This year's championship comprises 12 events - nine in Europe - with the famous Canadian circuit Trois-Rivieres one of the three flyaways.

Click here to buy tickets for the event.