Motorsport

Thommo takes Spanish double

James Thompson has roared into contention for this year’s World Touring Car Championship

Auto Express Car Reviews

Alfa Romeo star now sixth in standings after his heroics in Valencia

26th May 2007

Having been ditched by SEAT at the end of last year, the Yorkshireman rejoined Alfa Romeo – a move that seemed ill-judged when he failed to score a point in the opening four races in Brazil and Holland.

But Thommo has bounced back into contention after winning both races in Valencia, Spain. His second victory came after storming through the field from eighth on the starting grid. “It doesn’t get much better than this,” said a thrilled Thompson, who leapt into sixth place in the standings after his double heroics. “The car was good and we made the very best of it. My championship starts from now,” he warned. While Alfa stole the show in Spain, two BMW drivers – Andy Priaulx and Jorg Muller – are now tied at the top of the points table. Reigning WTCC champion Priaulx was delighted to post two top-five finishes, as his 320si was racing with maximum success ballast. “We are on the right track and I’m picking up momentum,” he said. But Chevrolet’s Rob Huff was out of luck. He’d gone from 26th on the grid to eighth, only to be pushed into the gravel by SEAT’s Jordi Gene.