FANS of the HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship are being offered the chance to get a sneak preview of the team line-ups for 2008.

The class of 2008 will be at Rockingham on Wednesday, March 12, and the Northamptonshire circuit is offering the public the chance to watch some high-speed action free of charge.

The stars and their cars will be out in force as part of the championship's official Media Day, and members of the public will be allowed free access from 1pm. Refreshments will be available from the Rockingham Diner.

The main grandstand will be open for fans to watch all the action on track, while those wishing to collect autographs from their favourite BTCC drivers can visit the paddock area.

More than 500 people took advantage of the free access when Rockingham hosted last year's Media Day, and soaked up the pre-season atmosphere as the teams unveiled their highly-tuned 290bhp engines for the first time.

Rockingham's director of sales and marketing, Charlotte Orton, said: "We are very passionate about making motorsport accessible to everyone, and this event is the perfect example of this.

"We hosted the official BTCC Media Day for the first time last year, and the event proved very popular for both members of the media and the general public, who took full advantage of the free access to the circuit.

"This event is an excellent way for both teams and fans to prepare for the new season, and we're thrilled Rockingham has again been chosen to host it this season."

The BTCC celebrates 50 years of entertaining spectators in 2008, and the ten-event calendar gets under way on March 30 ahead of the big race day at Rockingham on April 13.

Tickets are on sale for the Rockingham race and cost just £21 for adults, if booked in advance - a saving of 20 per cent on normal admission prices. Children 15 and under get in free. To book call the ticket hotline on 0871 231 0846 or visit www.rockingham.co.uk.

Access to the garages and pit lane will be restricted from 1pm due to track activity.