Silverstone returns to BTCC for '08

The circuit was left off of the 2007 calendar despite drawing in a large crowd for the 2006 season finale, but next year it will host the penultimate round of the season, while Thruxton will only host one event next year so that the series continues to have 10 rounds.

The BTCC will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, and the season finale will be held on the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit, which hosted the last round in the first year of the series.

It means that the Kent circuit will open and close the season, as the first round of the year will be held on the shorter Indy circuit layout.

The World Touring Car Championship announced earlier this week that it would go to Brands Hatch on the same date as the BTCC finale, but autosport.com understands that the British championship's slot is the one that has been confirmed with the circuit.

The WTCC race is likely to switch to May, as series boss Marcello Lotti is keen for the circuit to swap dates with Valencia.

BTCC boss Alan Gow said: "I am delighted that Silverstone is able to return and also that Rockingham will again be a part of our calendar following its superb event earlier this season.

"It means that all of the UK's top race circuits can join us in celebrating half a century of BTCC.

"The world-famous Brands Hatch Grand Prix track is a fitting venue for 2008's season finale. It is steeped in history and revered as a classic circuit by every racing driver and also where the first BTCC Champion Jack Sears was crowned back in 1958."

2008 Calendar:

Brands Hatch       30 March
Rockingham         13 April
Donington Park     4 May
Thruxton           18 May
Croft              1 June
Oulton Park        13 July
Snetterton         27 July
Knockhill          17 August
Silverstone        31 August
Brands Hatch       21 September