DTM @ Doni

[Jonny Apex]

A grid of driving talent the BTCC would surely die for. And it's easy to see why these boys are doing DTM. Money. From three real giants: Merc, Audi & Opel. It talks. Just look at the paddock hospitality suites. Jeez! Huge two-tier constructions built of steel and glass and wood - no poles and canvas awnings here. Now that's what you call looking after sponsors. Plus an extravagant, purpose-built travelling media centre that made journos gulp before entering.

Plus, as Menu said: very dramatic cars, both to drive and to look at.

Doesn't mean to say the racing is any better, however. Sure, there were good battles throughout and the TV screens helped us all follow the action, but it wasn't that close. And hard racing is what we want to see at the end of the day.

21,000 they said was the gate. Let's see what the BTCC finale in September brings. With good regular ITV coverage, the crowds are already back up and regularly pushing the 20,000 mark ...