JAMES Thompson's miserable Auto Trader British Touring Car Championship season continued at Knockhill, near Dunfermline yesterday.

The York driver, back after missing the last two events on doctor's orders following concussion, thought he had finished in second place in round eight at the Scottish track.

Thompson, competing for the first time since recovering from injuries sustained in at accident at the season's opening meeting at Brands Hatch, crossed the line to claim his first podium finish of the year.

But he was disqualified as his Honda Accord failed a ride-height check at the end of the race.

The stewards' decision promoted Rickard Rydell to second behind Thompson's Honda team-mate Gabriele Tarquini, who won by a comfortable three seconds.

That victory made sure that every manufacturer has won a round of the championship.

Victory in the sprint race went to flying Swede Rydell, whose Ford got across the line ahead of team-mate Alain Menu, of Switzerland.

Thompson showed no ill effects after his long lay-off, clocking the fastest lap at an average of 88.16 mph.

Eventually Thompson had to settle for sixth place, losing fifth on the line to Honda colleague Tom Kristensen, who got the better run out of the final hairpin as Thompson was held up by Matt Neal's Nissan Primera.