A reluctant non-starter at Thruxton on Sunday will be Hampshire's Justin Keen, who has just signed a new deal with Edenbridge Racing - but too late to figure in the first round of the BTCC.

Keen initially agreed to drive one of the factory Honda Civic Type Rs, but problems over sponsorship meant a last-minute switch to drive a brand new BMW 320 for Edenbridge.

It gives the Kent-based outfit a double interest with Hampshire drivers because their team manager Peter Briggs has been helping Rob Collard with his preparations for the new season.

The Edenbridge deal was completed late last week and, although it will be Keen's introduction to touring car racing, he is expected to be a class act in the high-powered BMW.

Keen, from East Boldre in the New Forest, graduated from Formula Ford through to the European Formula 3000 Championship then the FIA Sports Car Championship.

The BMW 320 has been campaigning successfully in the European Touring Car Championship and has already notched up a victory this year.

"It needed a few adjustments to bring it in line with BTCC specifications," says Keen, "but SEAT have just made the transition so there shouldn't be a problem with the BMW.

"Once I get to grips with a new kind of racing for me, we should be in for some excitement. The car should very competitive."