Chevrolet confirms Plato's return

Plato won seven times in a works Cruze last year on the way to his second title and also equaled Andy Rouse's record of 60 career victories.

He has set out a clear aim to make it another championship this year.

"Will I win the championship again? I wouldn't be here if I didn't think it was possible," Plato said.

"But there are some other good teams out there who have come on leaps and bounds since last year, meaning we're in for one of the most competitive seasons ever - great news for fans of the best racing series in the UK, and for the drivers who compete in it. It's going to be a thriller."

Plato and Alex MacDowall, who announced last week that he would continue as a Chevrolet driver during the upcoming campaign, will both drive upgraded 2010-spec Cruzes as used by Yvan Muller on his way to the World Touring Car title last year.

The pair tested the cars, which will again be powered by normally aspirated S2000 engines, for the first time at Brands Hatch last week.

RML CEO Ray Mallock believes that the team can perform even better than in 2010 and can add both the manufacturers' and teams' titles in addition to a drivers' crown this year.

I've no doubt that we are in for a tough battle to defend our title, however, I am confident that with such a committed team at RML and with Jason and Alex on board we can achieve our goal of championship success in both the drivers' and manufacturers' titles."