The 2003 BTCC season kicked off in spectacular style with two closely fought races in very wet conditions at the Mondello Park circuit in Ireland. Yvan Muller took pole position for both races but it was reigning champion James Thompson who secured a pair of victories to start the defence of his championship in the best possible way. There was also controversy with a clash between Gavin Pyper and Matt Neal, whilst a pitlane crash brought an early end to Phil Bennett's first race of the year.