Three-times World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx is hoping to improve on a disappointing start to the season when he drives in front of his home crowd at Brands Hatch this weekend.

BMW's Priaulx is currently seventh in the WTCC drivers championship on 38 points, 42 behind the leader, Seat star Yvan Muller.

Muller's fellow Seat driver Gabriele Tarquini is second with Brazilian Augusto Farfus, who drives for BMW Germany, occupying third place.

Priaulx believes he has the speed to do well at Brands on Sunday and says the enthusiastic crowd will give him a welcome boost.

He said: "I am looking forward to another great weekend at Brands Hatch. As my home race I am relishing the opportunity to drive in front of amazing crowds and promise them I will be trying my hardest to get a win.

"You get the real die-hard fans at Brands who are extremely knowledgeable about racing, which makes a difference to a driver.

"They get to the track early and watch all day and are not just there for the hospitality.

"I haven't had the best start to the season but I feel the car is good. A win at Brands Hatch would mean more than anything else. I feel pretty optimistic."