AFTER a dramatic weekend on the Portuguese street circuit of Porto, the FIA world touring car championship is heading to Brands Hatch next weekend for the UK round.

SEAT’s Yvan Muller currently leads the WTCC standings by 14 points.

But the Frenchman is being hunted down by team-mate Gabriele Tarquini and BMW’s Augusto Farfus, both of whom avoided red flag and safety car incidents in Porto to secure race wins.

Among the field of talented international drivers is a quartet of British hopes, all of whom will be gunning for victory on home soil.

Andy Priaulx – Team BMW UK (BMW 320si)

Priaulx is one of the most successful drivers in modern British motorsport after clinching a hat-trick of WTCC drivers’ titles with BMW between 2005 and 2007.

After losing his crown to SEAT’s Yvan Muller last season, Priaulx is fighting back in 2009 and currently lies sixth in the standings.

He is the only driver to have started every race in WTCC history – 100 to be exact.

Robert Huff – Chevrolet (Chevrolet Cruze LT)

The 29-year-old from Cambridgeshire is in his fifth consecutive season with Chevrolet after taking six WTCC race victories during his career including two this season.

Huff is currently the top Briton in the title chase, lying fifth in the overall standings.

He will celebrate his 125th race as a professional racing driver during the second race at Brands Hatch.

James Thompson – LADA Sport (LADA Priora)

After turning his attention to the British touring car championship in 2009, Thompson has returned to the world stage with LADA after striking a four race deal.

His progress in Porto was hindered after he was caught up in several incidents, but Thompson is determined to perform well in front of his home crowd.

As well as competing in the British and world touring car championships, Thompson currently leads the Danish touring car championship.

Tom Boardman – SUNRED Engineering (SEAT Leon 2.0 TFSI)

The 25-year-old is the rookie of the British quartet, having only graduated to the WTCC this season.

However, he has a record of great success in other series’ as Boardman won the 2008 Spanish SEAT León Supercópa and is also a former British SEAT Cupra champion.

Boardman was named a BRDC rising star for four years running from 2002 to 2005.

Brands Hatch will host two races from the FIA world touring car championship alongside the UK debut of the FIA Formula Two championship.

There will also be a full support race programme plus entertainment, including a Red Devils parachute jump, fun fair and mini JCBs from Diggerland.

Tickets for the FIA world touring car and Formula Two championships at Brands Hatch on July 18 and July 19 cost from £24 for adults, with free entry for children aged 12 and under.

For more information, call 0870 950 9000 or visit wtccbrandshatch.com