Calendar cut for 2002

In previous years circuits such as Silverstone and Donington Park have hosted two rounds of the BTCC. However, next year Brands Hatch will be the only circuit to hold more than one event, with the opening double-header of the season on the 2.65-mile Grand Prix layout and the penultimate race meeting on the 1.2-mile Indy loop.

The other major change for 2002 is the introduction of three 'super weekend' meetings, which will combine the BTCC with the British Formula 3 and British GT championships at the start, middle and end of the year. Britain's premier tin top series will also return to the Mondello Park circuit in Ireland next year after a successful debut visit this season.

Series director Richard West said: "The move to a 10-meeting, 20-round calendar with no night races should be viewed as a consolidation of the comments we have received to date and the realisation of the commercial challenges that we all face. I am confident that this represents a considerable step forward."

Series organiser British Motorsport Promoters has also confirmed its deal with the Motor Sports Association, UK motorsport's governing body, to promote the BTCC for the next five years, with an option for a five year extension. BMP bought the previous owner of the BTCC, TOCA, at the start of 2000 in a bid to ensure the stability of the series before they took control at the start of next year.

BMP bosses have also met with teams' representatives to discuss ways of securing the championship's future success. BMP chairman Robert Fearnall said: "Significant steps have been made for next year, taking account of views canvassed during this season, and procedures are being put into place to achieve our common objective - a competitive and well-run BTCC full of professional teams putting on superb racing for network television and large crowds."


March 31/April 1 (BH) Brands Hatch GP (inc. F3/GTs)
April 20/21 Oulton Park
May 5/6 (BH) Thruxton
June 1/2 Silverstone (inc. F3/GTs)
June 22/23 Mondello Park
July 13/14 Croft
July 27/28 Snetterton
August 10/11 Knockhill
August 25/26 (BH) Brands Hatch Indy
September 21/22 Donington Park (inc. F3/GTs)