Provisional '09 dates announced

Keen to avoid clashes with other major sporting events and Formula One grands prix, the dates will at least allow tracks a chance to plan for when they want BTCC events.

BTCC series boss Alan Gow said: "This means our dates are at least marked on the UK motor sport calendar, so that other major motor sport organisers can plan their own events and avoid too many clashes with the BTCC - or at least be aware of when they will be.

"Inevitably our dates are largely driven by the desire to avoid as many F1 races and other major UK sporting events as possible, so as to maximise our live TV coverage and audiences.

"Again, for 2009, we find ourselves with a 'mid-season break' in order to avoid some clashing broadcast requirements - however, it seems that many teams actually like such a break, so that they can recoup and prepare for the second half of the season.

"I anticipate confirming the actual venues in the very near future, but in the meantime at least for now our dates are known and can be put in everyone's diaries."

The dates of the 2009 calendar will be:

Rounds 1/2/3                     4-5 April
Rounds 4/5/6                     25-26 April
Rounds 7/8/9                     16-17 May
Rounds 10/11/12                  30-31 May
Rounds 13/14/15                  13-14 June
Rounds 16/17/18                  1-2 August
Rounds 19/20/21                  15-16 August
Rounds 22/23/24                  29-30 August
Rounds 25/26/27                  19-20 September
Rounds 28/29/30                  3-4 October