A decade of Plato in BTCC

Jason Plato says he’s “hungrier than ever” to win in the Dunlop British Touring Car Championship – a decade since he made his debut in the series. Brands Hatch’s opening rounds this weekend will mark the ten years since Plato sensationally qualified on pole position for his BTCC debut at Donington Park in 1997.

And the 39-year-old says his desire to win races and titles is just as great as it was a decade ago.

He added: “I’m there to win for SEAT and there to win for Jason Plato. I’m hungrier than ever.

“If ever I realise that streak of desire has gone then it’s time to go. At the moment that thought is a million miles away.

“Look at the likes of Alain Menu and Gabriele Tarquini – they are still in touring cars and I’m a kid compared to them. I still want to be doing this when I’m 50.”

Ten years on from his arrival, Plato has tipped 2007 newcomers Mat Jackson and Tom Onslow-Cole, each in BMWs but for rival teams, to impress in their first seasons.

Jackson, aged 25, won last year’s SEAT Cupra title and lines up in the same BMW that Andy Priaulx drove to last year’s World touring car crown, being run by his own Jacksons MSport team.

Onslow-Cole, aged only 19, won last year’s Renault Clio crown and is now Team RAC team-mate to 2006 BTCC title protagonist Colin Turkington.

Plato added: “Jackson is definitely one to watch. He’s got a good reputation and is in a proven car.

“It’s a big step up running your own team in the BTCC, but they are very passionate he did a great job last year and in 2005, so he’s going to be one to keep an eye on.

“Onslow-Cole did a good job in Clios and this now is a great opportunity for him, as team-mate to a very tasty driver in Turkington – it gives him a yardstick.

“As a young guy, coming into a good team is exactly what you need. Provided he does a solid job he can’t lose in that environment.”