JAMES THOMPSON admits to keeping his options open when it comes to his future in touring cars. However, the Yorkshireman, whose current deal runs out at the end of the year, is clear about one thing - whatever decision he makes, he wants to make it as 2004 champion.

The VX Racing driver is currently second in the championship as the second half of the season begins at Croft this weekend. But with teammate Yvan Muller just four points ahead of him the 30-year-old is ready to give his all to reclaim the title he held for the first time in 2002.

So far their Vauxhall Astra Coupes have a total of seven victories to their credit, Muller with four and Thompson three. It is a tally that has seen them eke out a significant lead over their nearest rival Anthony Reid who has 104 points compared to Harrogate-based Thompson's 150 and Muller's 154. And, while retaining respect for the rest of the rest of the field, Thompson - unforseen problems apart - believes it is a two horse race.

"The rest can certainly beat us and there's been a lot of different winners this year, but in terms of the championship, I would say realistically it's between myself and Yvan," he said.

And with that in mind, Thompson has set his sights on reining in Muller and getting his hands back on the coveted trophy.

"For the last three years the biggest rival has always been Ivan and vice-versa," he said. "It always ends up this way. I've won the championship once and he's won it once and we both want to win it this year.

"I have been in this championship for ten years now and you spend a lot of years trying to win something that is very elusive. So when you finally do grab hold of it it means a lot to you, it's the realisation of your goal.

"Like anybody that wins anything that has eluded them for a lot of years there's a major sense of achievement."

As far as this weekend's three races are concerned, Thompson believes Croft - a circuit he is a big fan of - should enable him to close in on Muller.

"It's one of the best circuits we visit. OK it hasn't got the glamourous pits of Silverstone but it's got a lot of character. It's a great drivers' circuit and to be honest with you it probably has the best atmosphere of the year," he said.

What decision Thompson takes at the end of the season may well hinge on whether he is stood on the top of the podium come the championship's end at Donington Park in September.

"We'll see what happens," he said when quizzed. "I am very happy. I have won a lot of races with Vauxhall. They gave me my first chance in the series back in '95. They gave me a great opportunity but you never know.

"I have been in the championship for ten years. It's one of those things, you have to have a look around and see what's happening.

"You always have to look around, you can't get too blinkered.

"But whilst I am not champion there's a challenge to regain it.