British Touring car champion Fabrizio Giovanardi is praying for rain on Sunday as he prepares to fight for what would be a hat-trick of titles in the final showdown of the season at Brands Hatch.

The Italian Vauxhall driver has triumphed for the past two seasons and he would be the first man for 24 years to win three consecutive crowns but he is currently trailing BMW's Colin Turkington by 13 points. Chevrolet's Jason Plato is also in the frame, although he is 28 points off the lead.

There will be three races at Brands this weekend with 52 points up for grabs but Giovarndi admits he might need a little help from the weather.

He said: "I know I have to make the best effort I can in what is now a fight on three fronts on what is a very technical circuit.

"The weather will be decisive here and rain will make a big difference. In the past I have outperformed Colin in the wet. Unfortunately I am not in a position to control the weather but maybe I will pray to God to ask him to make sure it is p*****g it down."

This will be Vauxhall's last race in the BTCC before they pull out and Giovanardi knows a hat-trick of titles would be a fitting end to their 21-year stint in the series.

Turkington, though, believes he can win the title. He said:" Having never won the Championship before, I'll probably be the hungrier on race day."

* Brands Hatch will host the finale of the HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship on ¾ October. Tickets cost £12 on the gate on Saturday and £28 on Sunday for adults, with free entry for children aged 12 and under. For more information call 0870 950 9000 or visit www.brandshatch.co.uk.