Silverstone welcomes BTCC return

The circuit was left out of the calendar for this year, but it has a date on the provisional calendar that was released by the series on Wednesday.

"It's great news that the BTCC is coming back to Silverstone, and we are delighted to be back on the calendar," said Richard Phillips, managing director of Silverstone Circuits Limited.

"The BTCC is a fantastic British championship and we look forward to hosting the ninth round, especially for 2008 when the series will be celebrating its 50 th year."

The reasons for the circuit missing out on a date for 2007 were not revealed by either the series or circuit officials, but Phillips added that they had worked hard to put a deal together for next year.

"Silverstone promised to do everything possible to bring back the BTCC for the loyal fans, and we are thrilled that it has now been confirmed," he said.

"It seems fitting that one of the most prestigious UK racing series gets to battle it out at Silverstone, a venue which has traditionally always had an association with the BTCC."