It's a crucial time in this year's BTCC, as this weekend's three races will bring the first half of the 30- round season to a close.

SEAT scored its first race win of the season at Oulton Park, but equally pleasing was its strong all-round performance which saw the team out-score its rivals in the Manufacturers' Championship. The aim is even higher at Croft. The Toledo Cupra is well suited to the demanding Croft track - last year it dominated the meeting by finishing 1st and 2nd in two out of the three races - and having tasted victory at the previous race meeting, SEAT returns to Croft in confident mood.

James said: "It really all started to come together well at Oulton Park. The Toledo Cupra was very good, the best it's been all year in fact, and it had lots of front end grip - exactly how I expected a touring car to feel like. It's getting towards the halfway point in the series, so I've had enough time in the car to be able to begin to make my mark. I know what I have to do in qualifying and I'll have a good chance at scoring my best BTCC result if everything comes together again at Croft.

"I really like the Croft circuit. Last year in the Holiday Inn SEAT Cupra Championship I was fastest in all the test sessions, started from pole in both races and broke the lap record twice - once in the first Cupra race and then again in the second. It's been a good circuit to me in the past and last year SEAT proved that the Toledo works well there as well."

A 30 minute qualifying session takes place for Round 13 at Croft circuit on Saturday 16th July at 15.20, with three 15 lap races on Sunday, beginning at 12.01, 14.30 and 16.35.