Jason Plato has been announced as the first driver for Team England at the 2015 Race of Champions which takes place at London’s former Olympic Stadium on 20-21 November.
It is unknown who will partner Plato at this stage but it does see him go head-to-head with Team Scotland, who have already announced reigning ROC Champion David Coulthard as their lead driver with another set to be confirmed soon.
Plato is no stranger to Race of Champions having last competed in 2010 where he reached the ROC Nations Cup final alongside fellow tin-top legend Andy Priaulx only to be beaten by Team Germany’s Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher.
Plato said: “I’ve always enjoyed my visits to the Race Of Champions and there’s no greater incentive than to look at the drivers who assemble there every year. They are the very best in the world and it’s a privilege to race against them on the same track in identical cars.
“This has been another good year for me in the BTCC and of course I’ll do everything to make sure I arrive at the Race Of Champions as a three-time champion. I will also look forward to finding out who will be racing with me for Team England. As the home nation I can’t wait to hear the noise of the crowd and I hope we can do them proud.”
Alongside Plato and Coulthard, other drivers include F1 stars Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo, Felipe Massa and Nico Hülkenberg, Le Mans 24 Hours legend Tom Kristensen, reigning FIA Formula E Champion Nelson Piquet Jr, reigning FIA World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg plus MotoGP world champions Mick Doohan and Jorge Lorenzo.
ROC president Fredrik Johnsson added “We’re delighted to have Jason in the field for this year’s Race Of Champions. He is a true tin-top legend with more British Touring Car Championship wins than anyone in history. He also has a ROC Nations Cup final appearance to his name so he will no doubt be a fierce competitor for Team England again this time. We trust there will be plenty of home support at the former Olympic Stadium. Now we just have to find Jason a worthy team-mate”
