NORTH Yorkshire driver James Thompson will race an Airwaves Racing Ford Focus in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship’s title-decider at Silverstone this weekend.

The double champion from York Thompson has been drafted in by team boss David Bartrum to aid Mat Jackson’s slim hopes of becoming Champion.

Jackson can also win the Independents Trophy and Airwaves the Independent Teams Championship.

Thompson will take over the car raced recently by Michael Caine for what will be his first appearance in the BTCC since 2009 when he achieved three race victories during a part season for Team Dynamics.

Thompson, also a proven race-winner and title challenger at World Touring Car level, said: “I’m genuinely excited to be coming back to compete in the finale of the championship. I’m here to lend support to Mat and the Airwaves team in their quest for the title and try not to cause too much mischief out on the track!”

The 37-year-old is scheduled to test for Airwaves later today and he added: “The test will be my first time in the Airwaves Focus and, although it’s never easy to step straight into a new car, it’s still got four wheels and a steering wheel like the rest of them so I hope that all my years of racing will deliver a great result for the team at Silverstone.”