Toby Moody to commentate on BTCC for ITV

Moody, 39, takes over from Ben Edwards, who has left his role to become BBC's Formula 1 commentator instead.

Best known for fronting Eurosport's MotoGP coverage for over 10 years, Moody is relishing the challenge presented by the BTCC.

"Ben Edwards did a wonderful job and leaves big boots to fill, but I love a good challenge and this certainly is one," Moody told AUTOSPORT.

"The BTCC is a fantastic championship with close racing - which I adore - and I have really great memories of watching the Sierra Cosworths and RS500s in the late eighties.

"It's true that most of my recent work has been in bikes - since 1996 in fact - but I'm a car guy at heart who converted to bikes, and I've kept my foot in ever since, commentating at Shelsley Walsh, the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Silverstone Classic.

"Plus I've got Tim Harvey - a former champion and a very amiable and knowledgeable guy - alongside me and I'm raring to go."

Moody will continue his MotoGP commentary role for Eurosport this year alongside his BTCC commitments and will also write regular two-wheeled columns for AUTOSPORT.