OXFORD’S Jason Plato is hoping to make a strong start to the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship this weekend.

The 51-year-old will compete in his first races for the Sterling Insurance with Power Maxed Racing (PMR) Astra team at Brands Hatch.

Plato, a two-time champion, has moved across from the Adrian Flux Subaru Racing outfit, for whom he finished 27th in the driver standings in 2018.

This season marks the first time he has raced a front-wheel drive car since 2015 when he finished second in the championship.

Speaking after his first test in the Astra at Snetterton, Plato, whose teammate is the experienced Rob Collard, is confident of a good

start on the Indy Circuit at Brands Hatch.

He said: “It felt great to be back in a front-wheel drive car again.

“It took a few laps to get back into it, but I quickly felt at home.

“I’ve worked with Martin (Broadhurst, team manager) before at 888, and he’s put together a really strong team at PMR.

“So it’s given me even more confidence that we’re going to take the Sterling Insurance with Power Maxed Racing Astra to the pointy end from the off. Bring on Brands.”