Plato targets BTCC title

The SEAT driver is confident that the new Leon will allow him to take the fight to rivals Vauxhall and Honda - especially with the car having been so strong on the World Touring Car Championship trail.

"I think our prospects for this year are very good," he said on the Central Stage at the Autosport International Show. "The new Leon is here which looks fantastic.

"It was very successful on its debut, it won its third ever race in the WTCC so we have got a strong winter test programme planned. I've got two cracking teammates and we want to win."

Plato's hopes of capturing the drivers' crown will be boosted by the fact that his teammates will not be doing the full campaign - with James Thompson and Darren Turner sharing the duties depending on clashing WTCC race.

"I think the plan at the moment is that James does six events and Darren does the other four," added Plato. "Our job first and foremost is to win the manufacturers' title for SEAT and the drivers' will follow after that if we are doing well.

"It rules them out of the drivers' campaign so I guess they can help me out. I cannot wait to get stuck in."