Series nets live ITV coverage

Up to 50 percent of next season's races will be shown live on the broadcaster's prime network terrestrial channel, ITV1. Those rounds not being screened live will be shown the following Sunday afternoon, in a one-hour BTCC highlights programme.

BTCC series director Alan Gow said: "This is an incredibly positive development for the Green Flag MSA British Touring Car Championship and we are thrilled that ITV is increasing its support for the series with live coverage in 2004. We are continually looking at ways to improve the appeal of the BTCC and this is fantastic news for everyone associated with the championship - manufacturers, teams, sponsors and, most importantly, our fans."

The renewed deal between the BTCC and ITV will see an increase in air time of around 30 percent over 2003. Live coverage will continue to be shown on the UK and pan-European satellite channel, Motors TV.

Gow added: "All BTCC programmes will now be scheduled on Sunday afternoons, and we will work closely with ITV to refine the final format of each programme. But our one overriding objective is to deliver the very best in motorsport action to the millions of viewers."

Jim Raven, managing director of ITV-Granada Sport, commented: "ITV has identified the BTCC as a key element of our sports scheduling, and the importance we place on the BTCC is clearly demonstrated by our increased commitment to the championship.

"F1 and BTCC are the cornerstones of ITV's motorsport coverage, with both championships providing our audience with the same qualities of being the most exciting, enthralling and prestigious motorsport championships."