Plato reigns in the wet

Nick Phillips
Monday 08 October 2001 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Torrential rain brought MG their first British Touring Car Championship win here yesterday, but failed to stop the action as Vauxhall's Jason Plato clinched the drivers' title in the final round.

Even the wettest conditions the championship has raced in for years could not put out the fire which finished Yvan Muller's challenge. The Frenchman had moved to the head of the field in the final round, the feature race, and looked poised to pinch the title from his team-mate after Plato spun. It was not to be, though, as a fire started under Muller's bonnet while the field circulated behind the safety car.

With the race under way again, Plato raised his pace and moved up from third place to second at the expense of Peugeot's Dan Eaves to confirm his title win beyond doubt.

The race was won by Phil Bennett in his Vauxhall Astra, who resisted intense pressure from Plato as darkness fell. Eaves took a well-deserved third place – some consolation for Peugeot after its lead driver, Steve Soper, suffered concussion after contact with Bennett.

MG's win in the penultimate round was inspired by driver Anthony Reid's decision to stick with slick tyres while his rivals opted for wet-weather rubber in a mid-race downpour.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in