2001 BTCC Driver Champion Jason Plato is hopeful that he will return to the BTCC in 2002 to defend his title, “No contracts have been signed yet but I’d really love to come back next year. The BTCC is still - in my eyes - the most competitive Touring Car series in the world and probably the most well respected so I’d love to be back next year. In what car and with who remains to be seen. Hopefully I’ll have a job but you never know.”

This comes after rumours that Plato has expressed an interest in driving in the America NASCAR series. “It’s been in the press and people have known for quite some time that I have the desire to go to America but that isn’t imminent for one reason or another so that’s a long term project. Until such times as I can get out there and race in NASCAR, the Winston Cup or Busch Series then this is my home and this is where I want to be.”

Plato's contract with Vauxhall and Triple Eight expired at the end of the 2001 season and the team are yet to announce who will drive for them in 2002, however there is strong speculation that changes will be made within the team. Plato is likely to be high on the list of many Touring class teams next year. He will of course take with him the number '1' to whoever he drives for and this may well appeal to new teams entering the series in the Touring class.