Coronel to join SEAT for Thruxton

The Dutch driver, who is a former independents' champion in the WTCC, currently races a Leon in the world championship, although he has never been to Thruxton before.

"There are two special things for me," said Coronel. "One, it is always nice to race a SEAT, and two, I have never raced in the BTCC and it's always been a championship that I have looked up to and wanted to experience.

"I have come into a different championship before in my career to help out, so I know what is expected of me."

The 35-year-old believes that his lack of track knowledge will not hinder his performance, despite the fact that he will have to start the weekend with the maximum success ballast of 45 kilograms because he is joining the championship during the season.

"A circuit is a circuit and I know the Leon well, so for me it won't be a problem," he added. "I've heard Thruxton is very fast, and I like fast circuits."

SEAT UK's motorsport manager Scott Dennis added: "Tom has shown in the WTCC that he's capable of racing with the best and his experience will enable him to hit the ground running.

"However, he'll be carrying 45 kilos of ballast so it's vital that we get the car set-up right for the circuit so that he gets up to speed in qualifying."

Only two drivers are allowed to be nominated to score manufacturer points during a race weekend, and SEAT have said that providing Jason Plato and Darren Turner don't suffer any serious problems in qualifying, the British pair will be the nominated drivers at Thruxton.