Oxford driver Jason Plato paid tribute to Colin Turkington after the Northern Irishman pipped him for the HiQ MSA British Touring Car title after a thrilling final round at Brands Hatch.

Plato was the undoubted star of the day, placing himself in the history books after winning all three races, but he could still not catch Turkington for the championship.

Three drivers – Turkington, Fabrizio Giovanardi and J Plato – all went into the third and final race with a chance of lifting the title.

But a second place for Team RAC BMW driver Turkington behind Plato was sufficient for the 27-year-old from Portadown to clinch his first drivers’ crown.

Plato became only the second driver in history to win all three races in a day and so overtook Giovanardi for the runners-up position.

After the race, Racing Silverline Chevrolet driver Plato, who won the BTCC title in 2001, said: “Colin has driven fantastically well.

“He did everything right today in keeping his nose clean and attacking at the right moments.

“All I could do was try and win races and then hope something might happen behind, but you simply can’t take anything away from Colin – he is a truly worthy champion.”

Final 2009 BTCC Drivers'standings: 1 C Turkington 275 pts, 2 J Plato 270, 3 F Giovanardi, 266, 4 M Neal 170, 5 M Jackson 165.

l Eynsham’s Dave Messenger won his class in the Alfa Romeo Championship at Silverstone. To sponsor him ring Messenger on 0788 4187483.