Internet, we bring you great news! The 2019 British Touring Car Championship will see the return of a rear-wheel drive hero. It’s the new BMW 3 Series.

We love our touring cars here at TG – there’s little more exciting than seeing race-prepped versions of everyday cars battling for every inch of space on the UK’s top circuits. And hey, 3ers tend to be driven with a healthy aggression and need to be in other cars’ personal space. They’re perfect for touring cars.

The 3 has a long-running history with the BTCC. Various versions ran in the championship between 1988 and 2009, racking up five drivers’ and two manufacturers’ titles in the process. Some pedigree.

In 2013 though it was sadly replaced by the baby 125i M Sport. But now, the daddy is back – and it’ll be in the capable hands of one of the sport’s most decorated drivers, Colin Turkington.

The Northern Irishman’s partnership with West Surrey Racing brought him his third BTCC title last season, but this year he will have an exciting new teammate snapping at his heels in the form of Tom Oliphant. The car itself will be a 330i M Sport with those classic BMW tricolour stripes. We’d accept nothing else.

Also running out of the WSR garage next season will be 2013 champion Andrew Jordan. He’ll pilot a 330i too but will continue under the BMW Pirtek Racing banner and colours.

The championship kicks off at Brands Hatch in early April. Who are you rooting for?