Preview: Brit return for German series

The Frenchman's Abt-Audi TT-R has won both races so far this year, and returns to Britain for the first time since his 1999 BTCC title year.

"I'm really excited about driving in England again," he said. "Although I became the 1999 champion there, I won neither of the races at Donington - perhaps I can make up for it. As the hunted it gets more and more difficult from race to race in the DTM. But if we continue to work, then I'm certain we can withstand the pressure."

The best of the rest is reigning champion Bernd Schneider of Mercedes, who was third last time out at Zolder. He says the Donington GP circuit gives the drivers a tough challenge.

"The sweeping corners at the back of the track from Craner Curves to McLeans and the Melbourne and Goddards hairpins are very challenging, and it's not easy to find the optimum set-up," he said. "The hairpins offer good opportunities to overtake."

Opel has shown much improved form of late, mainly thanks to aerodynamic revisions to its Astra Coupe. Former BTCC champion Joachim Winkelhock is also looking forward to racing in England again.

"I wouldn't want to miss this experience for anything," he said. "I had a great time racing in Britain. Donington is one of the most beautiful and most difficult circuits in the United Kingdom."

Home fans will be supporting Scotland's Peter Dumbreck, the Mercedes driver who won at Lausitz last year. He has struggled so far this year, and hasn't scored a point, but is keen to get back to winning ways.

"My first goal is to score some points," he said. "If I can do that, then I have something to build on and get back on to the podium and challenge for race wins."