Gio pips Plato to BTCC glory

JASON Plato has vowed to turn the tables in 2008 after losing the Auto Express-backed Dunlop British Touring Car Championship crown to Fabrizio Giovanardi by only three points.

The SEAT star arrived at the finale at Thruxton, Hants, holding a slender advantage over his Vauxhall rival, but also nursing some nasty burns on his hands, neck and face – the legacy of a filming accident earlier in the week. The injuries happened when the Caparo T1 he had been testing for the Fifth Gear TV programme burst into flames.

Despite enduring considerable pain, the heavily bandaged Plato battled to defend his narrow lead. He finished second behind Giovanardi in the two opening races, and was still one point ahead entering the final shoot-out.

A poor start, though, ended his chances. Although he clawed his way back to claim fourth place, the Italian shadowed the BMW of race winner Mat Jackson to take second spot and with it the BTCC crown. Afterwards, he said: “It has been an amazing fight and Jason has been a superb rival. What he did with the injuries was heroic.” Giovanardi also confirmed he will be back to defend his title in 2008.

Plato reflected: “The BTCC is tough to win. We did our best and it just wasn’t good enough, so we’ll come back next year and give it another go. It’s been a great championship and Fabrizio’s a great champion.”

Vauxhall also claimed Manufacturers’ honours at Thruxton, while Team RAC BMW driver Colin Turkington was crowned Independents’ champion.