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A new club-level feeder series for the British Touring Car Championship is being launched by BTCC teams for 2016.

The B-TEC Development Series will run at six national meetings and incorporate 12 races, beginning at Brands Hatch on March 27/28.

BTCC NGTC cars running the previous specification GPRM control parts will be eligible, as the main series moves to RML components this year.

The winner will receive a test in a 2016 BTCC machine.

Prime mover behind the series is Triple Eight Racing boss Ian Harrison.

"There are cars out there that are eligible to compete, and we think we can have up to 12 for the initial season," he said.

"We are deliberately running at club meetings to make this a cost effective category. The budgets for the 12 races should be under the £100,000 mark.

"It will be a great way for drivers to get experience of a modern BTCC car, and it will also provide a useful stepping stone for teams, engineers and mechanics too.

"They will have a chance to sample the cars and the level of competition required before maybe stepping up into the main series."

The B-TEC Development Series has been given the nod by BTCC series director Alan Gow, but there will be no link between BTCC organiser TOCA and the new category.

The format will include one 40-minute practice session and one 30-minute qualifying session on Saturday and two 30-minute races on Sunday.

Rob Austin Racing has already confirmed that it will run two Audi A4s in the series in 2016.

"I was very keen to support this idea," explained team owner and two-time BTCC race winner Austin.

PROVISIONAL CALENDAR

March 27/28 Brands Hatch Indy

April 23/24 Croft

May 28/29 Rockingham

July 16/17 Donington Park

September 3/4 Anglesey

October 15/16 Pembrey