Thompson returns to Alfa Romeo

The double British Touring Car champion made guest appearances for the team in the 2003 and 2004 European series, and then raced with them full-time in the 2005 WTCC.

He returns to the semi-works N.Technology Alfa squad after contesting both the BTCC and WTCC for SEAT last season.

"This is a great move for me," said Thompson. "I've always worked well with N.Technology and the Alfa Romeo is a beautiful car."

Team boss Mauro Sipsz was pleased to have Thompson back on board.

"The calibre of James' team mates, like (Fabrizio) Giovanardi and (Gabriele) Tarquini, always seems to be very high but he matches them race for race," said Sipsz.

"As soon as he became available, we snatched him up. It's great to have him back in the N.Technology family."

Alfa will withdraw from the WTCC after 2007 to concentrate on a Le Mans programme.

Thompson is therefore especially determined to win the squad's first WTCC title before they depart.

"From my knowledge of N.Technology, I know they won't be satisfied with anything less than title glory; they've never quit a championship without winning at least once," he said.

"That is definitely the right attitude and I'm looking forward to delivering the goods."

N.Technology came close to the 2006 WTCC title with Augusto Farfus, who has now switched to BMW.

The team is yet to announce who will drive its second Alfa 156 in 2007.