This weekend sees Simon Rudd take on his toughest challenge yet in motor racing, his home race at Brands Hatch.

The driver from Kent will be competing in a field of 24 cars as they sweep off the start line down to Paddock Hill Bend, and it is something that Simon is looking forward to.

Speaking about the testing that he did with his Motionsport team this week, he said: “It was great to get some good testing in before the race weekend. It was the first time I have driven a race car in the wet and I was pretty happy with the setup work and the lap times.

“There is still some more setup work to be done on Friday, but I think that we have a good base to start on, should it be wet.”

Having experienced the wet conditions around Brands Hatch, Simon went on to tell Kent Sports News just what it is like to drive around his home track.

He added: “It’s an awesome track to drive and at the same times it’s very challenging. Being a short track you would expect the times to be very close, so finding every tenth is vital. Dropping down from Paddock Hill bend is something everyone should try!”

The grandstands will be packed this weekend as Formula Four is one of the support races for the DTM German Touring cars and that will be quite something for all the drivers, as Simon agrees.

“I think the atmosphere will be immense. I’ll be concentrating more on the driving than the fans during the race but outside of the car, I think it will be something special.

“This is the one on the calendar that I am most looking forward to, especially with the DTM circus being here too.”

“Everyone wants to be part of the weekend and it shows the great backing that I have and I am very appreciative of! There may be some more pressure but I think that it will spur me on rather than be a hindrance, said Simon of having his friends and family coming to watch this weekend.

Finally we asked Simon if he or the team had set themselves any targets ahead of this weekend and what they want to achieve from the race.

He said: “Our team target/phrase for every race is, drive fast, don’t crash!! For me, picking up some good points for the Championship would be a successful weekend.”

We certainly like the team motto! You can see the Formula Four if you are at Brands Hatch as part of the DTM Touring Car weekend.