OXFORD’S Jason Plato endured a difficult start to the 2017 MSA British Touring Car Championship in the opening round at Brands Hatch.

The 49-year-old, who drives for Adrian Flux Subaru Racing, picked up just four points from the Kent track’s Indy circuit.

Plato, who only qualified 18th, finished 12th in the first race, more than 20 seconds behind winner Tom Ingram.

After an aborted start to the second race, Plato was turned into the pit wall off the restart.

The Oxford driver did not start the third race.

The next round is at Donington Park on April 15-16.