FIFE flyer Gordon Shedden is ready to overcome last season’s disappointment as he gears up to chase more British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) honours.

The first of 10 rounds in the 2014 season is set to take place this weekend at Brands Hatch and ‘Flash’ is optimistic about his chances of claiming the title that he won in 2012.

The Kent circuit will also be the venue for the final race weekend and was the scene of a dramatic conclusion to the 2013 championship where, despite winning one race and claiming one second place, the Dalgety Bay racer lost out on overall victory by just seven points to Andrew Jordan.

But after taking time to reflect since that weekend in October, Shedden is buoyant ahead of what looks to set to be a blockbuster year for the BTCC, with no fewer than seven former champions lining up on a 31-strong grid.

He told Press Sport, “Time seems to have flown by since the end of last season. In one sense it seems like yesterday but in another it seems a long time ago but things have been lively since then.

“We have a new car this year, which will bring a new challenge, and there are a lot of champions there. There are iconic names such as Alain Menu and I think it’s great as you want to race against the best in the world.

“It could be a mega year for British Touring Cars but it’s difficult to know how you’ll do until you get out there and start competing.” Shedden endured a difficult time in last season’s opener, gaining points in just one of three races, and is looking for an improved performance to get his campaign off to a good start.

The 35-year-old and Honda Yuasa team-mate Matt Neal will take to the track in the new Civic Tourer, the only estate car on the grid and the first since Volvo in 1994.

He continued, “It looks like being quite an iconic car and it looks spectacular. One thing you can say about Honda is that they are not afraid to push the boundaries but we are trying to find the sweet spot and will keep pushing hard. We’ve been all over the place trying to get the best out of it and you can do all the testing in the world but you never really know where you stand until qualifying.

“Historically I’ve had a terrible first round for the last six or seven years so hopefully I can get off to a steady start. You always need a bit of luck and the car to run for you but it would stand me in good stead although it is a long season ahead.”