SEAT seeks solid finishes

"There will be no heroics at the first race meeting," said project manager Mark Busfield. "We're all concentrating on getting everything right. The aim is to get both cars to the finish of all three races and collect as much race data as we can."

Plato, who is back in the BTCC for the first time since clinching the 2001 drivers' title, reckons the quick Hampshire circuit is a tricky place to start out at. "Thruxton will be the most difficult circuit in the 2004 BTCC calendar for us," he said. "It's the fastest circuit in the UK and I doubt we'll be the fastest through any of the speed traps, which there in particular will be a disadvantage."

He's still enthusiastic about the new programme though. "Like everyone in the team I'm really up for it," he said. "All we can do is the best we can, and I'm making no predictions."

Newcomer Huff is more than happy to be starting his BTCC career at Thruxton. "It is my favourite circuit," said the 24 year-old. "For me it's the ideal venue to make my BTCC debut. I know the track really well."