The next three rounds of this year’s championship will take place north of the border this weekend at Knockhill in Scotland

The Touring Cars return to the undulating, tight and very challenging circuit for the latest instalments of the BTCC. Tom can’t wait, as Knockhill is one of his favourite tracks; he has put in memorable performances there in the past and as for this year, well Tom is on a bit of a roll at the moment.

With five podium finishes in the last four events, including victory at Oulton Park and the fabulous two wins at Snetterton, Tom has certainly found a rich vein of form recently and will be aiming to continue that at Knockhill. On previous BTCC visits to the Scottish circuit Tom has won the Independents Cup and last season claimed a second place, so is another podium on the cards this weekend?

“ I certainly hope so and yes, why not? We have got the Honda Civic working brilliantly now and it always has been a good car around Knockhill. I will be disappointed if I am not in the top three in qualifying and the races. Of course it wont be easy, it never is, but the whole team is very optimistic. “

Tom has always loved the challenges of the Knockhill circuit and his committed, spectacular approach has made him a big favourite with the enthusiastic crowds who relish the annual trip of the championship. His two-wheeled antics in previous races drew huge appreciation and respect. Will he be entertaining this time?

“ Of course, you’ve got to put on a bit of a show, the spectators love it and at the end of the day it’s good to be remembered. It isn’t just about being spectacular though, I just find that the quickest way too. If it made me slower I probably wouldn’t do it, but it’s fast too. The more speed I can carry through the corners, particularly the first bend, then the quicker I’ll be. It’s just that here at Knockhill that also results in launching the car spectacularly off the kerbs and we fly through the air. I don’t know exactly how much time we all spend running on just two wheels, but it is quite a lot. More than anywhere else we race. “

The action starts with a media event on Thursday where Tom and his fellow BTCC stars will be driving their racecars over the Forth Bridge to publicise the weekend’s event. Then practice Saturday morning and qualifying on Saturday afternoon will precede the three races on Sunday.