Hamilton says his brother's BTCC deal "a huge thing"

Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton says it is a "huge thing" for his brother Nicolas to be contesting selected rounds of the British Touring Car Championship this season.

Nicolas, 22, who has cerebral palsy, will contest five of the championship's 10 rounds, making his debut at Croft on June 28.

"My brother has grown up with motorsport around him," said the Mercedes F1 driver. "He got dragged around to all the karting races from the time he was born. He's worked very hard from a time where there was not a lot hope he would be walking to getting out of wheelchair and taking a few steps.

"Now he is competing in a class where no one else has the same difficulty as him, so it's twice as hard for him. I think it's a huge thing. I have always been inspired by my younger brother, which is unusual as it is usually the older brother who inspires the younger brother. I'll take a lot of inspiration from him – and a lot of people will – and I'll be there for him."

Nicolas has previously raced in the BTCC-supporting Renault Clio Cup, finishing 14th in 2011 and 21st in 2012. Following his BTCC debut at Croft, he will also compete at Snetterton, Rockingham, Silverstone and the Brands Hatch finale.

Originally on Autosport.com