Actress Dawn McDaniel joins the BTCC TV team.

The British Touring Car Championship announced today the appointment of Dawn McDaniel to the TV commentary team for the 2001 season. She will link up with the current pairing - Charlie Cox and John Watson.

She said: "When I was approached to work on the BTCC, I was really excited but also quite apprehensive as it's such a departure from what I'm used to. I love the sport and I can't wait to get involved. My aim is to reveal the aspects of drivers characters that haven't been shown before so expect to see a lot more behind the scenes filming!"

"I've met quite a few of the drivers already and found them to be quite charming! I wouldn't like to bet on whose going to win the Championship but I'm confident it's going to be a season of spectacular action!"

BTCC Series Director Richard West added: "I've known Dawn for a few years now and when we were looking at the repackaging of the championship, her style and presence immediately sprung to mind. I'm delighted that she's joined the team and think that she will add a new fresh, dimension to the coverage of the championship."

Mark Wilkin, Head of Production at Octagon CSI concluded: "Dawn's presence will provide a different angle of coverage for the Championship. Spectators are keen to see the personalities involved in the series and Dawn will be instrumental in delivering this element to the production package. I'm delighted that she's on board."

Octagon CSI will produce all 13 rounds of this year's series for BBC Grandstand. The sports marketing giant was appointed earlier in the year to lead the revamped British Touring Car Championship into a new era of television coverage.

Dawn trained at the RADA and her television appearances have included major roles in Holby City, Soldier Soldier, Moll Flanders, London Bridge, The Thin Blue Line, The Change and Peter Kozminsky's Innocents.