Neal: retaining title will be harder

Last season, Neal finally won the championship after 15 years of trying.

Chris Hodgetts was the last champion to defend his title, back in 1987, and Neil believes that many people will be specifically out to get him because he has number '1' on his car, beginning with this weekend's Brands Hatch season opener.

"You'd think with all the years I've been doing this I'd be as cool as a cucumber, but I still get the nerves just thinking about it," Neal said. "Not because of the occasion, but because I still want to do well and be a contender.

"I don't find it different just because I'm the reigning champion. In fact, being champion means I've effectively painted a target on my car. Everyone wants to beat the champion and if someone sees number 1 on your car then you're the biggest scalp out there to be claimed.

"But I think SEAT and Vauxhall will be really strong, SEAT in particular with the new Leon model and two very experienced drivers in James Thompson and Jason Plato. If those two beat me at Brands then it's an indication of what to expect for the rest of the season. Trouble, in other words..."

However, Neal has pointed to one aspect of his team set-up this season that, in his opinion, bodes well for his chances.

"I'm one for a bit of superstition and our team is now working out of the same workshop in Pershore as Chris Hodgetts and the Toyota team did when they defend their title - now that's a good omen."