20/1/2003

James Thompson chose the British Touring Car Championship awards ceremony to take a pop at former champions Jason Plato, Alain Menu, Rickard Rydell and Laurent Aiello, on a night when Green Flag announced they had renewed their sponsorship of the series for another two years and hotel giant Hilton unveiled plans to support the BTCC's Independents Cup.

On receiving his 2002 champion's trophy, Vauxhall driver Thompson told a packed black-tie hallroom at Blackpool's Hilton: "I'm looking forward to being the first driver for a few years to come back and have the guts to defend their title."

His comments effectively accused Plato, who also won the title for Vauxhall in 2001, and Menu and Aiello, champions with Ford and Nissan in 1999 and 1998 respectively, of cowardice.

All three quit the series straight after winning their crowns, although Menu and Aiello may argue this was because their teams also then chose to walk away from the championship.

Thompson, who will again be team-mate to France's Yvan Muller with whom he clashed several times last season, said the touring car title "meant the world" to him after nine years of trying.

In 1995, Thompson was almost killed when he crashed his Vauxhall at high speed at Scotland's Knockhill track.

"I am exceptionally proud to have won the title," said the 27-year-old. "I think I must be the youngest veteran still going!

"The ups and downs, the highs and lows are immense, but when you enjoy your motorsport you always come back from it."

As Vauxhall scooped the drivers', manufacturers and teams' awards for 2002, it was also announced that alongside Thompson and Muller, a third 888-prepared Astra would be run in full factory colours in 2003 for Paul O'Neill, the brother of Sporty Spice Mel C.

O'Neill performed admirably in his debut BTC-Touring eason last year, the highlight of which was an emotional sole victory on home ground at Oulton Park.

However, Vauxhall's motorsport manager Mike Nicholson said he did not expect his team to have it all their own way in the forthcoming season. "We have been very busy over the winter, with lots of people going away and doing lots of jobs to make sure we are in even better shape for 2003.

"We will have to be, because we know this year is going to be very hard to stay in front, as others have demonstrated."

BTCC series director Richard West also headed a moving tribute to former champion Will Hoy, who died at Christmas aged 50 after suffering a brain tumour.

After a video of Will's racing career, accompanied by Carly Simon's 'Nobody Does It Better', West said: "Will was a perfect example that, even though our sport is full of business people and politics, the most important things are characters, personalities. Will was one of the best."

West also insisted that although motorsport was facing a difficult period, the BTCC's continued success was a testament to the passion and dedication of those working in it.

He added: "We still have a lot of work to do to in what are tough times, but we have a championship that I believe can be exciting and compelling."

Roadside recovery giant Green Flag announced they will sponsor the touring car series for another two years, with a prize fund expected to be announced shortly.

Hotel chain Hilton will also sponsor the series' Independents cup for privateer teams, with each race winner receiving five free rooms for two at Hilton hotels and the champion a fortnight's holiday with free accommodation at one of their locations.