Thompson feels Alfa can win races

BMW and SEAT have introduced new cars in the last couple of seasons, but Alfa Romeo have stayed with the same model for several years, and they have reduced their WTCC effort to just two cars for this year.

The N.Technology outfit had a difficult time in the season-opener at Curitiba recently, but Thompson feels that the team can make the car a race winner this year.

"I'm not yet comfortable in the Alfa but I'm getting there," he said. "It will take time.

"I really think that as the weight penalties come into play we can win some races later in the season."

Thompson also admitted that he had offers to return to racing in Britain for this year, but he wants to remain in the world championship for as long as possible.

"I want to be involved with the team for the long haul, not just for this season," he said. "I think they have the potential to get back to winning titles.

"There wouldn't be any point to me racing if I didn't think I could take the team forward.

"They need drivers that will put the hard graft in, and I believe I am the driver to do that."