BTC Racing has revealed that Jason Plato will drive one of its Honda Civic Type-R cars in this year’s British Touring Car Championship, in what will be his final season in the championship.
Plato, 54, recently tested the team’s Honda during the hybrid system installation test at Donington Park.
His signing to BTC marks the seventh different team for the two-time champion since he first raced in the BTCC 25 years ago.
Plato will line-up alongside Josh Cook and Jade Edwards in BTC’s three-car strong team.
“I have been able to watch BTC Racing from a distance, and I have seen the team go from strength to strength,” said Plato.
“I raced against Josh Cook in previous seasons, and I know where the car is good and where it is not. The Honda has been good for many, many years in specific areas on tracks. It really has its strengths.
“I was very impressed on my first day, with what I saw from the team. There are a lot of very clever people there – everybody knows their role; everyone is bringing something to the engineering table we have.
“I have been fortunate enough, for the majority of my career, to have driven for world-class teams and worked with world-class people. And honestly, after one afternoon with BTC Racing I was genuinely impressed.
“I am really looking forward to it and there is a definite ambition and motivation there.”
Plato also confirmed it would be his 23rd and final season in the BTCC, and he was hoping to go out with a bang.
“I want to sign off while I am in a good place,” added Plato. “I would rather walk away from the series having won a load of races this year, been in the fight for the championship and having been a contender.
“That would make me happy and be an excellent way to sign off from the championship.”
BTC Racing team owner Steve Dudman believes that the team can help Plato to finally hit the 100 win milestone, with the BTCC veteran currently having notched up 97 victories.
“We’re delighted to welcome Jason to BTC Racing,” said Dudman. “Jason has shown what a world-class driver he is throughout his career, and I have always admired him.
“I believe that in the BTC Honda Civic he can reach his 100th win milestone and everyone at BTC Racing wants to share it with him. Jason is hugely capable of winning races and I’m sure he will be in the championship mix from the start.
“With his level of experience, technical understanding and natural speed, it’ll deliver results – JP has his mojo back for sure.
“I’m hugely excited to see what can be achieved this year with Jason at BTC Racing and we’re looking forward to working with him.”
Last season, Plato scored just one podium finish on his way to 14th overall in the drivers’ championship standings.
His last win came in the 2019 season finale and during the past five seasons he has picked up just two wins in total, having not raced in 2020 and spent 2016 to 2018 struggling to adapt to rear-wheel drive Subaru machinery.