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James Thompson keen to continue his WTCC return with Munnich

James Thompson says he would "love to" make further World Touring Car Championship outings this year after his first appearance in the championship in almost a year last weekend

The two-time British Touring Car champion drove in the WTCC for the first time since splitting from Lada during the third round of the 2015 season, deputising for Munnich Motorsport team owner and driver Rene Munnich at the wheel of a Chevrolet Cruze in a one-race deal at the Slovakia Ring.

Thompson lined up 14th on the grid for both races in Slovakia, although he felt a red flag in the first qualifying session had prevented him from making it through to Q2.

He fell to 15th in Sunday's opening encounter before advancing to 12th in the second, 0.7 seconds behind John Filippi, which later became 11th after Thed Bjork's exclusion.

"I'm really happy; I've had a great time," Thompson told Autosport. "The boys have welcomed me with open arms.

"They know I'm enthusiastic and that I'd love to come back and do more if they want me.

"But it's one of those things; it's Rene's car, and if he gets people who can pay money that can be in the car I totally understand.

"I'm happy here, giving some feedback; I'm still learning the car, but at least I can help to compare with Rene when he was testing here and if there's something going forward then great."

Having initially not considered returning after his exit from Lada last season, Thompson said the deal had come at a time when he was prepared to step back into the driving seat.

"I wanted to be in the right frame of mind to do it and when Dominik [Greiner, Munnich team manager] called me was a real switch for me," he continued.

"It's been really good to get some practice and get back into it again.

"It would have been nice if we'd pulled a rabbit out of the hat, but unfortunately you have to take what you've got."

Greiner said Thompson had been an obvious choice as a replacement, but that the squad would consider its options once again before the next clash between the WTCC and Munnich's World Rallycross Championship programme in a fortnight's time.

"If you decide to choose a driver yourself there is a main driver market," Greiner said.

"We had a list, we did some brainstorming and we decided James could be good.

"He knew the track, and the championship, we like him - so it worked.

"There are a few more clashes, but it's not confirmed yet if we will continue with James.

"For sure, he is on our list, but for now nothing is filled out."

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