Fabrizio Giovanardi says the HiQ British Touring Car Championship’s fans are the best he’s ever raced in front of.

Giovanardi won last year’s BTCC to add to the six touring car titles he already held – including three European (now World) crowns – and believes the crowds that flock to watch the British series in action are the most enthusiastic he’s seen.

The Italian superstar told BTCC.net: “From what I have seen and from what I know they are the best in Europe, the best I have experienced.

“In Italy people are crazy maybe about Ferrari or football or in Spain prefer motorbikes. World Touring Cars is in different places too many times, some places that don’t matter or where people are not so interested.

“In Britain there is a lot of love for motor sport. It’s a different culture.”

Giovanardi arrived in the BTCC in 2006 regarded by many as the best touring car driver in the world. Having won last year’s title for Vauxhall he also leads this year’s standings as the title race arrives at Snetterton this weekend for its latest rounds.

He added: “I saw the BTCC was strong when I came here two years ago and it is still a great target, a great championship to target and to go for.

“There isn’t the testing like there was ten years ago in between races so I don’t live in the UK, but when I come to the race meetings you see the fans enjoy the battles and fighting. I really appreciate their reaction.”