YORK'S James Thompson enjoyed a 'fantastic weekend' in the Green Flag British Touring Car Championship at Thruxton - but will be surprised if the next meeting proves as lucrative.

The 28-year-old Yorkshireman was the most successful driver on the third weekend of the season, recording a victory and a second place.

Those results lifted him into a three-way tie for top spot in the standings with Vauxhall factory team-mate Yvan Muller, winner of Thruxton's feature event, and Matt Neal.

But the upshot of Thompson's profitable Bank Holiday visit to Hampshire is that his car will be loaded with 'success ballast' next time out at Silverstone early next month.

By contrast, he and Muller were running light this time due to their comparatively disappointing achievements at Oulton Park two weeks ago, which contributed greatly to their competitiveness at Thruxton.

And Thompson is in no doubt about the effect the weight penalties - which are added or removed for every race depending on where the competitor finishes - have on the shape of these races.

"I was very happy with the weekend. It was fantastic for me," said Thompson, who now has 18 BTCC career wins to his credit, putting him joint seventh in the all-time list.

"But what we must remember is that we had no weight on board after suffering some bad luck at Oulton Park, whereas next time we'll be heavy and it will be a different ball game.

"I expect MG and maybe one or two of the other teams to be fighting with us at Silverstone," added Thompson, who is also set to continue his rallying involvement by contesting the Rally of Wales in two weeks' time.

MG's star driver, Anthony Reid, third in this weekend's sprint race, believes some improvements to the car over the next few weeks will produce an enhanced performance.

With 59 points each, Thompson, Neal and Muller are 24 clear of Reid - and Muller is looking forward to a title chase which he hopes will prove more enjoyable than last year's bitter tussle with eventual champion Jason Plato.

Updated: 11:30 Tuesday, May 07, 2002