Reigning British Touring Car champion Jason Plato and double BTCC title holder Matt Neal have become the latest motorsport stars to praise the redevelopment of Norfolk's Snetterton circuit.

Construction work to create the new 2.99 mile 300 layout is due to be completed at the end of February, with the surface layer of asphalt currently being laid.

Silverline Chevrolet driver Plato, who lifted the BTCC drivers' trophy for the first time since 2001 last year, and his Honda Racing rival Neal, who took the title in 2005 and 2006, are both eager to sample the new configuration.

Plato said: 'What I believe (circuit owner) Jonathan Palmer and his team have tried to create is a circuit that will give competitors a real challenge with a collection of tricky high-speed corners all leading up to great overtaking points.

'More importantly, the new Snetterton will give the public a circuit layout which will deliver numerous overtaking opportunities and superb views of the action.

'It is great that the old character of the track has been retained and the addition of some new and exciting corners will without doubt make this some race track. I can't wait to get on it and attempt to tame it.'

Neal added: 'It's going to be very fast and flowing with lots of areas where drivers will be trying to out-brake each other. I'm looking forward to the first day of testing here which should be really exciting.

'There will also be better views for spectators and more places to watch from which will be great for the Touring Car crowds.'

The BTCC is one of the headline events on the new 300 circuit in 2011, with Britain's biggest domestic car championship set to compete in Norfolk on August 6 and 7.

Tickets are already on sale – from �25 for adults, with free entry for children aged 12 and under.

For more information on the redevelopment or to buy tickets for the British Touring Car Championship at Snetterton, call 0843 453 1000 or visit www.snetterton.co.uk