This month's much-anticipated blockbuster movie Rush features a number of scenes that were filmed at Kent's Brands Hatch circuit.

Directed by Oscar-winner Ron Howard, Rush has reunited him with screenwriter Peter Morgan, following on from their collaboration on the critically-acclaimed feature Frost/Nixon. Like the earlier production, Rush focuses on two main characters, this time the rivalry between Formula 1 racers James Hunt and Niki Lauda during the epic 1976 season.

Brands Hatch was one of the key rounds during that season, staging a controversial British Grand Prix that was won by Hunt on the road. Along with other MSV tracks, it was used for much of the location shooting. Snetterton doubled as Japan's Fuji raceway, and Cadwell Park substituted for Crystal Palace, both crucial for an independent film project recreating distant or defunct circuits.

In addition, Brands Hatch was also used for other scenes. In one of these, the Kent circuit's hospitality suites provided a suitable location for a pivotal driver briefing at the Nürburgring race, shortly before Lauda's near-fatal crash. The venue's pit access tunnel even features early on.

Early rave reviews for the film suggest that it will be a hit with cinema-goers and unlike many previous attempts at live action motor racing films, is likely to transcend its genre into a mainstream audience.

Mike Groves, Circuit Manager for Brands Hatch said: "We were approached by the producers of Rush, who were extremely keen to use Brands Hatch as a filming location for the film, given its historical relevance to the plot, and we were delighted to welcome the directors and cast to the circuit in February last year. Filming took place over a total of 4 days at the venue and it was fascinating to see Brands Hatch transformed into a Hollywood film set. It was also great to see the fabulous F1 cars in action at the circuit once again. We were also able to welcome a group of extras, some of which were made up of members of the local community, dressed in period gear for some of the scenes and it really did feel like we were back in the 70s!

"I was lucky enough to see the film a few months ago and it's been a long wait for it to come out on general release so I can go and see it again!"

The trailer for Rush, and further information on the film, which is on general release on Friday 13 September, can be viewed by visiting www.rushmovie.com