Legendary Kent motor racing circuit Brands Hatch has confirmed it has signed a new three-year contract to stage the only UK round of the renowned DTM championship until at least 2014.

The prestigious German touring car series has been a fixture at the circuit’s 1.2-mile Indy circuit since 2006, with major manufacturer participation from Audi and Mercedes. The cars are phenomenally fast with sophisticated aerodynamics and a 4.0 litre V8 engine producing 470bhp. They lap around 7 seconds faster than a British touring car at Brands Hatch, averaging 104mph, and race on the shorter Indy circuit enabling fans to see all the action from virtually the whole lap.

DTM is set to enter a new era in 2012 with a new package of technical regulations and the addition of a third manufacturer, BMW. Triple FIA World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx has already been announced as part of BMW’s line- up, and McLaren F1 test driver Gary Paffett has signed a long-term deal with Mercedes. Former F1 winner Ralf Schumacher will also compete with Mercedes, and BBC F1’s David Coulthard is expected to return to DTM for a third year after making steady progress during his first two seasons.

Brands Hatch circuit owner Jonathan Palmer said: “We’re delighted DTM will continue to stage its only UK round at Brands Hatch for the foreseeable future. The professionalism of the championship is outstanding, the cars spectacular to watch and the calibre of the drivers second to only F1. With the addition of BMW and new technical regulations designed to make the racing even better, it’s a very exciting time to partner DTM and we look forward to Brands Hatch’s DTM event being one of the highlights of our calendar for many years to come.”

Tickets for DTM at Brands Hatch will be on sale shortly. For more information on Brands Hatch visit www.brandshatch.co.uk or for further details on DTM go to www.dtm.com.

2012 DTM Calendar:

29 April                   Hockenheim (D)

6 May                      Lausitz (D)

20 May                    Brands Hatch (GB)

3 June                     Spielberg (A)

1 July                      Norisring (D)

15 July                    Munich Olympic Stadium (non championship round)

19 August                Nurburgring (D)

29 August                Zandvoort (NL)

16 September          Oschersleben (D)

30 September          Valencia (E)

21 October              Hockenheim (D)