Just had a read through the interview with Thommo on autosport.com, got me thinking about 2003.
As Vauxhall are in again, we could assume that JT will defend his title with them, I'm sure they would like to have the champion behind the wheel again, having lost out last time after falling out with Plato.
Will Muller got to the ETCC after failing to clinch the BTCC again?
Honda are looking strong and both drivers have won during the year, but will they cast an eye over JT to bring him 'back to the fold'?
One factor is that there have been so many good peformances this year, that it's no longer the case that being champion carry's the salary premium it used to in the Super Touring days. Back then, manufacturer's though you couldn't win races or title's without a Menu, Aiello or Rydell in the car, and top driver's pay increased as a result.
This year we've seen strong performances from Howell and Turkington for example. Last year Plato priced himself out of the driver's market, by convincing himself that as BTCC Champion, that was what he deserved.
I hope Thommo is sensible and doesn't do the same, I'd love to see him back to defend his title.
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