The HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship has released its race dates for its 2009 season.

BTCC Series Director Alan Gow said the decision to announce the dates early was in the best interests of UK motor sport’s many thousands of fans, teams, drivers, sponsors and organisers.

He commented: “This means our dates are at least marked on the UK motor sport calendar, so that other major motor sport organisers can plan their own events and avoid too many clashes with the BTCC – or at least be aware of when they will be.

“Inevitably our dates are largely driven by the desire to avoid as many F1 races and other major UK sporting events as possible, so as to maximise our live TV coverage and audiences. Again, for 2009, we find ourselves with a ‘mid-season break’ in order to avoid some clashing broadcast requirements – however it seems that many teams actually like such a break, so that they can recoup and prepare for the second half of the season.

“I anticipate confirming the actual venues in the very near future, but in the meantime at least for now our dates are known and can be put in everyone’s diaries.”

4-5 April - Brands Hatch - Rounds 1/2/3
25-26 April - Thruxton - Rounds 4/5/6
16-17 May - Donington Park - Rounds 7/8/9
30-31 May - Oulton Park - Rounds 10/11/12
13-14 June - Croft - Rounds 13/14/15
1-2 August - Snetterton - Rounds 16/17/18
15-16 August - Knockhill - Rounds 19/20/21
29-30 August - Silverstone - Rounds 22/23/24
19-20 Sept - Rockingham - Rounds 25/26/27
3-4 October - Brands Hatch GP - Rounds 28/29/30