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Race Victory sees SEAT Sport UK Make Dream BTCC Debut

SEAT Toledo Cupra @ Thruxton12 April 2004

SEAT Sport UK made a dream debut in the Green Flag MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) at Thruxton last weekend (April 11th) when Jason Plato gave the  SEAT Toledo Cupra its first race victory anywhere in the world.
 
Making his return to the BTCC for the first time since winning the drivers' title in 2001, Plato exceeded the new team’s aim of finishing all three races, by scoring points in all of them as well.  Rob Huff, making his BTCC driving debut, proved that the current Holiday Inn SEAT Cupra Champion is the perfect SEAT Sport UK team-mate by finishing his first ever BTCC race in 6th place, out of 22 starters.
 
There was no mistaking SEAT Sport UK's presence in the Thruxton paddock, as its partnership with RML has created one of the most colourful and professional looking teams in the BTCC.  It was the SEAT Toledo Cupra's stunning BTCC debut out of the track which was the main talking point of the event, with the second round race win the highlight of a successful weekend.
 
Scott Dennis, SEAT UK Motorsport Manager, said: "To be fair, this race victory far exceeds our expectations. Five weeks ago, when the Toledo Cupras arrived in the UK, we did not envisage standing on the top step of the podium in our second BTCC race. A lot of people have worked very hard for this. Jason drove incredibly well to win race two, Rob has made a very good start to his BTCC career and it has been a truly great team effort."
 
Jason Plato said: "It's been a dream debut for SEAT Sport UK in the BTCC and to win the second race is one of the most rewarding wins that I have ever had. I've been working on this project with SEAT right from the very start eighteen months ago and I'm so happy for all of the team. Everyone has worked so hard to get here, and to win a race on our BTCC debut is beyond our wildest dreams. It is great to be back in the winners' circle, but we are under no illusions. Our aim remains to work hard and to put ourselves in a position to win the title next year.  It's been a fantastic start for the team and for me personally it’s just great to be back."
 
Rob Huff said: "I was really pleased to finish sixth in my first ever BTCC race and I’m equally pleased that I have the pace to race with the very best touring car drivers in the UK.  The team’s done a fantastic job, SEAT has given me a great car and it’s looking very good for the rest of the season.  I'm happy with my pace and my result in the first race proves that I can race with the best of them."
 

See series calendar for British Touring Car Championship 2004

Related Story 05.04.2004 - SEAT Sport UK Makes its BTCC Debut at Thruxton