Video: Matt Neal sets pulses racing in new car

The Stourbridge-born star was down at Donington race track as the teams unveiled their cars and colours for the 2016 campaign.

Neal, aged 49, will be driving for Halfords Yuasa Racing in Honda's new Civic Type R, along with defending champion Gordon Shedden and new recruit Andy Neate.

Neal – who set the day's fastest lap – said: "I am energised to try and get that fourth title but I don't feel any pressure to do it.

"Gordon is performing very well at the moment and whether he's in an older car or a brand new touring car he is annoyingly quick.

"But I am still pumped up to try and get in those quick lap times and I've got a few tricks up my sleeve."

The drivers were able to get out on the race track yesterday to take part in their first official practice session.

All 32 grid slots have been filled before the opening race of the touring car season for the first time in the championship's modern history, with the drivers expecting another close campaign.

Neal – who claimed the title in 2005, 2006 and 2011 – said everyone had been working hard behind the scenes to make sure the Civic was ready to go.

He said: "It's been a flat-out winter. We've been collaborating closely with Neil Brown Engineering on the new engine, which is another big step forward.

"But I always say you need to be on your game but you also need a little bit of lady luck. You roll the dice, put in the hard work behind the scenes and then you need the luck to come your way."

Round one of the championship will take place at Brands Hatch in Kent on April 2-3.