Keen BMW to be on BTCC grid for Brands.

BMW will be represented on this year's Green Flag MSA British Touring Car grid after Edenbridge Racing confirmed that Briton Justin Keen will drive its dramatic 320i racer from the championship's second meeting at Brands Hatch on 25 April.

BMW's 320i model is one of European Touring Car Championship's most formidable cars and won one of last weekend's opening rounds at Monza, Italy against the might of Alfa Romeo and SEAT - whose cars are also on this year's BTCC grid.

Edenbridge team principal Peter Briggs believes his BMW will enjoy a massive following among BTCC fans and, with the internationally-experienced Keen at the wheel, is a potential race-winner.

"The BMW has a real wow factor and Justin is an excellent signing. I'm confident with our very high levels of preparation that this is going to be a very successful car-driver combination," said Briggs.

Keen, who has competed at international single-seater and sportscar level, believes he can make a name for himself in the BTCC. Buoying his enthusiasm is the fact that his last race victory in the UK was at Brands Hatch in 2000.

"Brands holds good memories for me and the rear-wheel-drive of the BMW should make it a very strong car around there. In fact, I think it can give us a traction advantage at most of the circuits and that will really help off the grid and in the wet.

"Seeing how BMW has developed this car in the ETCC the past three years gives me a lot of encouragement. I've moved around a lot in my career so far, but the BTCC is a great chance to make a name for myself - the championship has massive prestige.

"I might be new to the BTCC, but I think my experience will help. My style is aggressive - I've never had to work up to being that! It will be important to learn how the other drivers operate and I expect to have to give a bit and take a bit."

BTCC series director Alan Gow is also excited by the addition of one of Edenbridge's BMW. "BMW won the BTCC title three years in a row in the early Nineties and it's a name that adds great kudos to any championship," he said. "Edenbridge is renowned for its professionalism and is exactly the sort of name we want to see on our grid.

"SEAT's official entry and BMW and Alfa Romeo being represented vindicates the BTCC's decision to allow ETCC-spec cars to race in the championship for 2004. I also expect more ETCC cars to join the grid as the season unfolds."