FORMER F1 driver David Coulthard is getting ready for his first proper competitive race in the UK since leaving Formula One.

Andy Kelly met with him to ask him how his reprise in the DTM Touring Car Championship came about and how different it is to what we all know him best for.

Q: Did you plan to race DTM or did it just happen?

A: I had it in mind that I'd race something again, but it was never a plan that I'd take a year out and then definitely race in the DTM.

I knew when my time in Formula One had come to an end, and DTM ticked the boxes for what I want – the adrenaline of pushing myself to the limit and the aspect of being part of a team.

How does your Mercedes DTM car compare to your old F1 car to drive?

A: It's completely alien from everything I've known in my career – in single seaters, everything's built around the driver, whereas in touring cars you're set off to one side.

I liken it to someone who plays tennis being given a squash racket; it's essentially the same but subtly different, and just because you're good at tennis doesn't mean you're good at squash.

The challenge for me is to see whether I can become good at this type of racing.

Q: What do you think of DTM as a series?

A: DTM is a very big championship, it gets 100,000 people turn up to some of the races, which is significantly more than some Grands Prix.

The racing's close and so is the paddock access – with a pass you can get into the paddock and up close to the cars, which you never get with Grand Prix racing.

Q: How are you doing so far this season?

A: Apart from at Zandvoort last time out, my qualifying has been improving and I'm getting closer and closer to mid grid, which is not too bad for a 2008 car.

Q: McLaren test driver Gary Paffett and Force India Reserve driver Paul di Resta are two of your fellow Brit DTM rivals – what are your thoughts on them?

A: Gary Paffett and Paul di Resta are two stars of the series. They're both young and would definitely be good drivers if they had the opportunity in Formula One.

Q: Do you think we'll see a British winner next week?

A: There's every likelihood of a British winner at Brands Hatch, it's unlikely it'll be me but you never know!

I'd like to hype it up and say I'll go for the podium, but I'm on a journey of discovery.

There are guys in the series that are committed racers and are chasing championships, but I'm just enjoying the opportunity to learn about being a touring car driver.

Q: How long ago is it since you've raced at Brands?

A: I haven't been to Brands Hatch since 1991, when I won two races in Formula 3.

It's strange coming back here, especially in a DTM car.

I never imagined at that stage in my career all those years ago that I'd be racing at Brands Hatch in a touring car!

Q: Whenever we ask drivers, they always say they love Brands Hatch, but why is that?

A: Some circuits you have to drive with your fingertips and be super smooth, but with Brands Hatch you can really attack the corners. It's a short lap and at Paddock Hill Bend you can't quite see the apex. It's a natural amphitheatre and there's a lot of history in the racing; being here takes you back to the days of Jim Clark and Jackie Stewart.

Tickets for the DTM German Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch on 3/4/5 September are now on sale from just £25 for adults, with free entry for children aged 12 and under.

For more information call 0870 950 9000 or visit www.brandshatch.co.uk.