MG’s Jason Plato says that he doesn’t expect team orders will come into play between himself and team-mate Sam Tordoff in the final few races of the British Touring Car Championship.
Plato has an outside shot at the title, being 55 points behind leader Colin Turkington heading to Silverstone this weekend. The former champion knows that he must score well at the Northamptonshire circuit, and draws attention to the importance of his team-mate in the title fight.
“We both must focus on scoring big points to keep MG ahead in the Manufacturer’s championship,” said Plato. “Sam could assist me with regard to the Driver’s championship, but that will very much depend if he wants to help. I don’t expect team orders will come into play.”
Triple Eight Team Principal Ian Harrison has already settled for second in the drivers’ championship, and is also eyeing up the manufacturers’ title for MG, who currently lead Honda by just 22 points.
“I expect us to be at the front this weekend as the best front-wheel-drive team,” said Harrison, whose outfit have won four out of the previous six races held on the Silverstone National circuit. “The championship is up for grabs in terms of the Manufacturer’s title, so we need speed and good reliability all weekend to cement the small advantage we have in the points.
“Both drivers need to achieve a large haul of points for the Team going into Brands to stay in front. As far as the Drivers’ championship is concerned, it’s all about Jason building the gap in 2nd place, and him finishing the championship in that position has to be our aim.”
Tordoff is trying to end his season on a high, having been on the podium twice at the previous round at Rockingham. The 25-year-old is also looking to extend his run of pole positions, having inherited pole at Knockhill and earned it outright at Rockingham.
“As always, my aim is to score as many wins and podiums as possible,” said Tordoff. “That starts with trying to get three consecutive pole positions on Saturday.
“I am a long way from the top of the championship, which is where I didn’t want to be at this stage on the season. However, it is crucial to be getting results at this stage of the season.”