Thommo to guest for Alfa

Thompson has driven for the team before - helping old BTCC Honda team-mate Gabriele Tarquini to clinch the 2003 title with an appearance at Monza which also brought him a race win.

Thompson will join Tarquini, multiple champion Fabrizio Giovanardi, and rising star Augusto Farfus in the Donington Alfa line-up.

"I'm very excited," said Thompson,"and I think we can expect some good results. This time it's easier for me than it was last year. I had never been to Monza before, while obviously I know Donington very well. Also I don't have to carry the 40 kg ballast I did then; that makes a big difference."

The Alfas have been a bit off the pace in the most recent ETCC rounds, but that doesn't worry Thompson. "I'm not totally familiar with the problems they've been having," he said, "but what I learned last year tells me that the car should be very good at Donington."