Silverstone gets 2011 BTCC finale

The British Grand Prix venue's now traditional August date has been moved to the season's end, which will take place on October 15-16.

Brands Hatch will instead host the opening event of the season on April 2-3, taking over from Thruxton.

A full calendar was unveiled by series organiser TOCA on Wednesday with 10 rounds taking place at the same circuits as this year. Every circuit on the 2010 schedule has been retained with Brands Hatch once again the only venue that will host two rounds.

As has been the case in recent years, the series will take a seven-week break during the summer.

BTCC series director Alan Gow said that the early announcement could help the series avoid clashes with other high-profile events during the season.

"Thanks to all our circuits and the British Automobile Racing Club for enabling us to be so ahead of the game in informing our competitors, partners, the media and public of next year's BTCC calendar," Gow said.

"By doing so, we also hope other high-profile motor sporting events can plan around these dates and hopefully avoid some of the ridiculous clashes that in recent years have proven to be highly frustrating for both fans and organising clubs, whose resources have been stretched to breaking point."

No announcement has been made as to which layouts each circuit will use.

2011 BTCC calendar

 1  April 2-3        Brands Hatch
 2  April 16-17      Donington Park
 3  April 30-May 1   Thruxton
 4  June 4-5         Oulton Park
 5  June 18-19       Croft
 6  August 6-7       Snetterton
 7  September 3-4    Knockhill
 8  September 17-18  Rockingham
 9  October 1-2      Brands Hatch
10  October 15-16    Silverstone