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British Touring Car supremo Alan Gow has confirmed Kia is considering joining the championship in future.

Rumours that the Korean manufacturer has been assessing a tin-top programme have been circulating for some time.

Gow confirmed there had been talks, but said there was not currently a timeframe on when Kia could appear on the BTCC grid.

"Kia has been in discussions with us and teams for three or four years," Gow told AUTOSPORT.

"They want to do it, but they've been waiting for [sister company] Hyundai to confirm its programme.

"The BTCC is stronger than it's been since the end of the 1990s and they're interested, but when they might join I don't know."

Hyundai is committed to a rally programme, making a circuit racing project for Kia more likely.

Eleven marques are currently represented in the BTCC, although only two - Honda and MG - have official manufacturer backing.