Harvey looks forward to BTCC return at Oulton

Harvey won the title in 1992 and has been racing sportscars since the Peugeot squad pulled out of the BTCC in '98. He is currently leading the British GT Championship in a Chrysler Viper, and will drive the Alfa Romeo 147 that Tom Ferrier handled at Thruxton.

Harvey will assume a driver/manager role this weekend for the JS Motorsport squad when he gets behind the wheel of one of its Alfas.

"I can't wait to get back into the thick of things," he said. "The Alfa is the complete opposite of the Viper, which has nearly 600bhp and is rear-wheel drive, but it takes the same skills to get it round the track in one piece. I don't think there will be a problem switching codes.

"From my position as team manager I've liked what I've seen so far with the new BTC Touring regulations in the BTCC. I think it will be like coming home, but to something that's progressed and been improved while I've been away. The cars look great, sound great and can be a bit of a handful at full speed, which is what makes racing drivers smile," he added.

Although excited about his return to BTCC action, Harvey is realistic about his chances in Cheshire this weekend.

"We're still developing the potential of the 147," he said. "The team is new to the BTCC and the car's a completely new concept so I don't predict that I will be winning anything just yet. But if anyone thinks I've gone soft in my years away from they'll get a shock. I intend to give everything I've got, like I always do."