SIBLING rivalry can stretch families to breaking point at the best of times.

But when that competition takes place on the racing track it takes on a whole new level!

And that could be the case this Sunday when brothers Daniel and Robert Brown of Billericay make their debuts in the Formula Palmer Audi Championship at Donington Park.

The Browns are only the second pair of brothers to ever enter the championship at the same time, the first being Ben and Ryan Lewis in the 2002/03 season when the latter won the FPA title.

While both Daniel and Robert would love to emulate this success in their Momo-sponsored cars, they are cautiously optimistic for now.

"It's my first weekend racing in a single-seater so I'm pretty confident", said 16-year-old Daniel, currently taking his A-levels at Mayflower High School.

"For the first half of the season I'm planning to just keep consistently finishing in the top 10.

"Once I get to about that point I think I'll start pushing for podiums and maybe even wins."

Formula Palmer Audi has become known as one of the premier training grounds for aspiring drivers, with many of its alumni making the jump to Formula One, World Touring Cars and A1 Grand Prix, including F1 McClaren test driver Darren Turner and A1 team Great Britain man Robbie Kerr.

Daniel is entering FPA in good form after coming first in 2007 T-Car Championship.

He proved quicker than his brother in testing, but as the youngest competitor in the competition this year he is far from complacent about what needs improving.

"I was pleased with my stamina but I've got to build up my strength, so I've been in the gym preparing for Donington this weekend," he said.

Robert, 19, will be making the adjustment to single-seater competition having last year competed in the Renault Clio Cup where he finished 20th.

Despite the three years he holds over Daniel he is quick to praise his younger sibling's talents.

"Daniel's a bit quicker than me, so for now I'm going to set my sights on improving my times and getting some top 10 finishes," he said.

"Season long I think top 10 would be a good aim as it's a competitive championship so I'm not expecting to do anything amazing."

For now though Robert has the immediate future and this weekend's action at Donington on his mind.

"I'm looking forward to this weekend. I'm not expecting too much as I was off the pace in testing but as long as I can keep it on the track I'll be happy," he said.

With sibling rivalry never far away he was quick to add: "Though I'm hoping to beat my brother!"

As the season progresses both brothers have an eye on a particular track.

"I'm looking forward to Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium as it will be my first time going there, so that should be good", says Daniel.

Despite the immediate clash between themselves, the Browns are in no doubt as to the level of competition they will be facing in FPA.

"A lot of the drivers in the championship this year are all quite experienced in this as many of them done it last year", says Robert.

"I'm really going to enjoy racing against them".