Giovanardi out to enjoy title finale

The Vauxhall star leads the SEAT of Jason Plato by 44 points with only 52 up for grabs, meaning that he would be confirmed as champion for the second year in a row if he finishes third or higher in the opening race of the day.

"It would be good," said Giovanardi, a five-time race-winner this year. "I've had to play it a little bit safe and stay out of trouble so far. This could be a chance to finally put on a nice show."

Giovanardi, however, admitted that the championship is far from over yet.

"Anything could happen and I will not relax until it is done. Sure I have a good lead, but I will be taking things very seriously to make sure nothing bad happens."

Plato meanwhile, has to go all-out and hope that disaster strikes for Giovanardi if he is to claim his own second crown and give SEAT, who are quitting the BTCC after the weekend, a perfect send-off.

"It would be total rubbish to say we'll try harder than ever," said Plato, who has won eight times in 2008, more than anyone else. "We always try our damned hardest, we are racing here after all.

"The championship isn't realistically on, and it hasn't been for a while, but we've had some disasters this year and if Fabrizio has one this weekend, then you never know.

"We certainly won't be giving up, anyway."