James Thompson is set to replace 2001 BTCC Driver Champion, Jason Plato at Vauxhall Motorsport in 2002. Although there has been no official announcement as yet, sources say that Thompson will drive alongside this year's title runner-up, Yvan Muller, in the two car team.

The news comes as a bitter blow to Jason Plato who now appears likely to defend his title elsewhere. He has been linked to drives with MG and series newcomers, Proton.

Other names connected to the second seat at Vauxhall were Andy Priaulx and Phil Bennett, whose involvement in 2002 may now depend on the sponsorship of internet bank, Egg, who have yet to commit to the series in 2002.

Vauxhall are expected to confirm the line up within the next couple of weeks.