Plato pessimistic on title chances

Plato conceded the title to the Italian back at Oulton Park, but still retains a mathematical chance of catching the Vauxhall driver by the end of the year to add to his 2001 title.

But, with Plato 41 points behind with only 104 points up for grabs from the final six races, he knows that even if SEAT dominate as they did at Knockhill, it's unlikely to be enough to help him improve his position.

Plato said: "We need Fabrizio to score zero points in the first two races and for me to win both to stand any hope of winning the title. All I can do is try to qualify on pole, win races and set fastest laps.

"Fortunately, Silverstone should suit our Leon TDI perfectly and I think we'll be very strong there. The track only has six corners, two of which are tight and lead on to long straights, and that's exactly where we can benefit from the extra torque of the turbo-diesel engine."

Giovanardi, meanwhile, has taken just one win since the Donington Park round in May, but has amassed a huge points total by simply keeping his nose clean and scoring points in every race in 2008.

He carries the full 45 kilos of success ballast, as he has done going into every round since the season-opener by virtue of leading the championship.

Although a SEAT disaster at Silverstone would allow the reigning champion to clinch his second title - he needs to outscore Plato by 12 points to be crowned at Silverstone - he is simply planning to take the same approach as he has done recently.

"Obviously taking the success ballast into consideration, I can only hope for a points finish which will allow me to stay in the lead in the drivers' title," the reigning champion said. "I'd like to hold onto my 41 point lead heading into the final rounds at Brands Hatch."