JAMES Thompson is revved up and raring to go ahead of the opening round of the inaugural World Touring Car Championship.

The new world series has replaced the former European Touring Car Championship and will visit three continents, including such countries as Mexico and Turkey, over its ten rounds.

Having spent 11 years in the British touring car championship and claiming the drivers' title twice, York-born Thompson feels prepared to make a push for the world honours.

''It's a fresh challenge and I've just got to get on with it really,'' said Thompson.

''It's very impressive. It's quite exciting actually the closer it gets to the start of the season the more realisation there is that it is actually a world championship. It starts to hit home a little more.

''It shouldn't be a lot different. I've done about 260 touring car races in my career, or maybe more, so I've got plenty of experience to call upon. But a lot of it is just learning.

''There's still a few circuits I don't know but the racing aspect of it will still be similar.

''I've been doing a lot of fitness training. I seem to be living out of a suitcase at the moment, but it's all part and parcel of it.

"I'm just thoroughly enjoying the fresh challenge."

Published: 24/03/2005