York driver James Thompson is putting on more weight.

Along with all other Vauxhall Astra drivers his car will have to carry an additional 30kilogrammes to their minimum weight for the British Touring Car Championship rounds at Ireland's Mondello Park tomorrow and Sunday.

The organisers have made the unprecedented step because the Astras have totally dominated the championship, occupying all the top overall placings.

Championship leader Yvan Muller, Jason Plato and third-placed Thompson (Egg Sport) pictured right, are already ladened with 60kgs of success ballast following their run of wins and podium finishes in the previous eight rounds.

This latest move, therefore, sees all three carrying 90kgs in extra weight - the equivalent of a 14-stone passenger.

There is no doubt the trip to Mondello Park's 2.268-mile circuit is going to prove a tougher challenge for Astra drivers.

Muller leads by nine points from Plato with Thompson third.

Unlike previous rounds in the championship, teams were allowed a one-hour test session today.

BTC Touring qualifying takes place tomorrow between 3.15pm and 3.45pm.

The traditional pit walkabout and autograph session takes place on Sunday morning between 11.15am and midday with the day's racing activities starting with the 15-lap Sprint Race at 12.30pm.

The main 30-lap Feature gets under way at 3.15pm.

Updated: 12:14 Friday, June 15, 2001