Coronel to race in Japan and Macau

The Dutchman had looked unlikely to contest the rounds when his backer, SEAT Holland, revealed that it did not have the funding for the flyaway events.

But he will now be able to race at Okayama and Macau after arranging a deal with a new sponsor. His familiar orange SEAT Leon will run in a blue livery at the final two races, in the colours of clothing firm McGregor.

"It was quite hard for me to take when I was told that we wouldn't be racing in Macau," said Coronel. "However, Dutch SEAT importer Pon Car has given me the possibilities to go and look for a solution to make the participation in Asia happen after all.

"From that moment on, I have tried every possible option and thanks to many people who have provided ideas and support, we have succeeded. Of course, that makes me very happy."

Coronel enters the final three rounds of the year - the first of which takes place at Imola this weekend - with an 18-point lead over BMW driver Felix Porteiro.

"Especially after the recent success I had at Oschersleben it would have been really disappointing when we would have had to stop after Imola.

"Now, I will also be racing in Japan where I had such a great success last year, and in the season finale at Macau. I will try everything to win the independents' title."