Jason Plato will join Power Maxed Racing for the 2019 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, reuniting the double champion with the Vauxhall brand.

Plato has won more races than any other driver in the history of the BTCC, tallying 96 wins in his 20 years in the championship, and has been in contention for the title at the finale nine times in the last 15 campaigns. Fittingly, the first of his championships came back in 2001, following a memorable season-long scrap with team-mate Yvan Muller with the pair driving Vauxhall Astras.

The BTCC legend sees the move to PMR as the perfect opportunity.

“Although they finished tied second on points in the Teams’ standings last season, PMR is still a relatively young outfit in the BTCC,” started Plato. “However, there is a strong team of very experienced and talented personnel behind the scenes working incredibly hard to make sure they can continue to challenge at the front from the off this season. Their collective ambition, motivation and desire to win their first championship made this the perfect opportunity for me.

“The decision for me to get involved with PMR just became easier and easier the more time I spent with them. It’s an incredible team of people, many of whom I’ve worked with before and very successfully too, like Martin Broadhurst – the Team Manager. It’s something very serious that Adam (Weaver) has put together at PMR, he’s not playing, it’s clear his intention has never ever been to make up the numbers, he wants to win, as do I!”

The team has undertaken an extensive winter development program and is champing at the bit for a return to competitive action.

Team Principal, Adam Weaver said: “The signing of a proven champion and race winner fits perfectly with our stated ambition to win the Drivers’ title in our fifth season. Can we do it? We are under no illusions that the series will be tougher than ever in 2019, but we are putting the ingredients in place and are up for the challenge.

“With significant developments in carefully selected areas it will certainly help us build upon a very successful 2018 season and after signing another proven driver – this time a multiple championship winner with 96 race wins. We are understandably extremely positive about the season ahead – here’s to getting reaching the century.”

Broadhurst added: “Working with Jason again is something I’m very excited about. It’s difficult not to be; he’s had the most race wins in the history of the championship which certainly makes him our most successful driver signing. This brings new and added pressures in terms of our performance, but we are ready for the challenge.”

PMR intends to announce the identity of Jason Plato’s team-mate within the next week, ahead of pre-season testing, followed by further news on our brand partnerships prior to the season opener at Brands Hatch in April.