SEAT drivers ponder future

Plato, the BTCC champion in 2001, was midway through a three-year deal with the Spanish manufacturer, but is now searching for another drive.

He, though, wants to stay in the series and add to his 46 career wins.

"We've only just had the news today, so I think it's too early to talk about specifics for next year just yet," Plato told autosport.com.

"I want to keep racing though and I'd like to stay in touring cars because I love saloon racing, touring car racing, the aggression, the fun, everything that goes with it."

Turner, who has raced for SEAT in the BTCC since his championship debut in 2006, is looking at a switch to Sportscar or GT racing full-time next year, following a string of impressive drives over the past few years, including two GT1 class wins at Le Mans with the works Aston Martin team.

"I don't really see an avenue for me to stay in the BTCC next year," Turner told autosport.com. "There weren't many paid drives available anyway, and now with SEAT gone and Vauxhall sorted for their drivers, it doesn't look good.

"I'll look at the WTCC, but I've done a lot of GT racing too so I've got that to fall back on. I'll have to wait and see what Aston Martin's plans are for 2009, but there are a fair few manufacturer teams and well-funded privateer squads in GTs and Sportscars, so there are more opportunities to earn a living there, maybe in FIA GT or LMS than in touring cars."

Plato and Turner will have their final BTCC races for SEAT at Brands Hatch next weekend with Plato the only driver capable of stopping Fabrizio Giovanardi from winning the title.