The last time James raced at the Hampshire track was in the final round of the 2003 Holiday Inn SEAT Cupra Championship. He ended that race in a hedge, having been forced onto the grass exiting the Complex. This time the Macclesfield driver will be aiming to keep his Toledo Cupra firmly on the asphalt, as he returns to Britain's fastest BTCC circuit in one of the fastest cars he's ever raced.

James said: "Its eighteen months since I've raced at Thruxton and I'll be trying to keep all four wheels off the grass this time! In the Cupra Championship I qualified on pole for one race and second for the other, and then finished second behind 2003 Champion, Rob Huff, in the first race, so I know Thruxton well and I'm looking forward to returning this weekend in a car which has more power and grip. I learned a lot in my first British Touring Car race weekend at Donington and I'm a lot more comfortable in the Toledo Cupra, so I'm going to Thruxton with a lot more confidence."

The 30 minute qualifying session takes place on Saturday 30th April at 15.25, with three 16 lap races on Sunday, beginning at 11.00, 13.15 and 16.30.