Brands boost for armchair fans.

Armchair fans of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship are in for an extra treat next weekend after ITV announced that it is to expand its coverage of the eighth round of the season at Brands Hatch.

In addition to the previously announced live coverage of the final race on ITV1, there will also be a full re-run of race one on ITV4 followed by live coverage of race two.

All-in-all, it means a total of three and a half hours' of 'free-to-air' coverage of the battle for the 2007 title between Jason Plato and Fabrizio Giovanardi - a battle that is likely to take another twist at the tight and challenging Kent circuit.

"ITV's continued commitment to the BTCC should be applauded," series director Alan Gow said. "Viewers have been kept on the edge of their seats by the action so far and now, thanks to ITV, they will be able to savour all three Brands Hatch races in their entirety - two of them live - as the season reaches a critical stage.

"I'm sure all BTCC fans will join me in congratulating ITV on its decision."

Nick Moody, ITV Sport's series editor, added that the broadcaster was pleased to able to offer extended coverage of the event.

"Brands Hatch could have a major bearing on the outcome of this year's BTCC title," he said, "and during the weekend we now have an opportunity on both ITV4 and ITV1 to give greater air time to the championship and give viewers extended coverage of what is a very exciting rivalry."

The ITV4 coverage will air between 12.30pm and 2.30pm, with the ITV1 show then going out from 2.50pm to 4.20pm.