The British Touring Car Championship has ended its ten year association with the BBC.

The BBC showed the races this year on a tape delayed basis, but there were some complaints from fans regarding scheduling and length of coverage. Richard West announced at the final round that the BBC would not be showing the BTCC in 2002.

West said: "Since the re-creation of the series last October, we have come a long way in a short time. Without the intention of being arrogant, we went into our negotiations with the BBC with a set of criteria. We wanted regular slots that do not conflict with live touring car rounds. We wanted the package shown on a regular basis and we wanted to continue all programmes as outside broadcasts to continue our big-screen format and link-in to live commentary."

"At the end of last week the BBC sent us a letter in which they admitted to erratic programming and an inability to provide regular slots, and said they could not meet the exacting standards put forward to them. We accepted their points, thanked them for their support and said we'll go elsewhere."

"We are now negotiating with ITV and Channel 4. Discussions have taken place and are so far yielding extremely positive results."

Robert Rain also said: "We are looking for a more active broadcaster that shares our vision. Look at cricket. Channel 4 has made the coverage attractive and watchable where the BBC's wasn't and ITV took Formula One further forward."