Late James Thompson deal completes World Touring Car Cup grid

Thompson, the 2002 and '04 BTCC title winner, has spent the last year out of racing after ending the '16 campaign with Rene Munnich's team.

He had started that season without a drive, but took over from Munnich after the first round, taking a best finish of sixth from his eight race weekends in the squad's Chevrolet Cruze.

Thompson was announced as the team's third driver at the WTCR world cup's media launch event near Barcelona, and will contest at least the first five rounds of the season.

Munnich was originally scheduled to drive the team's third car but clashing business and World Rallycross Championship commitments mean he has stood down for the start of the year.

Thompson said he had been contacted by the team on Tuesday and "had 30 seconds to make up my mind" about driving for the squad.

"I was sat at home when Rene called and asked if I fancy doing a few races," said Thompson.

"It's great and a real surprise. It's really nice to be back.

"I remember it being a great team atmosphere from 2016.

"Everything is a little new but hopefully my experience and a little grey hair will pull me through."

With Zsolt David Szabo announced as the Zengo Motorsport squad's second driver, alongside Norbert Nagy, at the launch, Thompson's late deal means the 2018 entry list is set.

He joins a grid that also includes tin-top veterans Gianni Morbidelli, Yvan Muller, Gabriele Tarquini and Fabrizio Giovanardi among others.

Full 2018 WTCR line-up

Comtoyou Audi: Denis Dupont, Aurelien Panis, Frederic Vervisch, Nathaneal Berthon
BRC Racing Hyundai: Norbert Michelisz, Gabriele Tarquini
Sebastien Loeb Racing Volkswagen: Rob Huff, Mehdi Bennani
Yvan Muller Racing Hyundai: Yvan Muller, Thed Bjork
Boutsen Ginion Honda: Tom Coronel, Benjamin Lessennes*
Munnich Motorsport Honda: Esteban Guerrieri, Yann Ehrlacher, James Thompson
WRT Audi: Jean-Karl Vernay, Gordon Shedden
Campos Racing Cupra: John Filippi, Pepe Oriola
DG Sport Peugeot: Aurelien Comte, Mato Homola
Romeo Ferraris Alfa Romeo: Fabrizio Giovanardi
Zengo Motorsport Cupra: Norbert Nagy, Zsolt David Szabo