DOUBLE British Touring Car Champion James Thompson started the new season in style with two victories at Brands Hatch.

The SEAT driver won races one and two while Jason Plato secured a clean sweep for the manufacturer in race three.

Thompson secured his first win after snatching the lead four laps from the end of the race.

Vauxhall’s Tom Chilton took the lead as reigning champion Matt Neal (Honda Integra) moved up to eighth from the back of the grid.

At the front a four-way battle saw Chilton head Thompson, Colin Turkington (MG) and the improving Neal.

But Thompson went ahead on lap 23 and pulled out a small gap as Chilton concentrated on keeping Turkington and Neal at bay.

Neal claimed the final podium spot after overtaking Turkington at the McLaren bend.

In a tightly-fought second race, Thompson led from the start to finish just over half a second ahead of Turkington.

Starting from second, Chilton tried to pass Thompson on the opening lap but slid wide at Druids – putting two wheels across the gravel – and came home seventh. Once again Neal was third.

A jubilant Thompson said afterwards: “The SEAT is a fantastic car and it’s working really well. The championship is in great health and there are many potential race winners out there.”