James Thompson says the Green Flag British Touring Car Championship title race is between himself and Vauxhall team-mate Yvan Muller, ruling out challenges from other rivals during the second half of the season and branding them “average”.

“It’s between Yvan and me – the others aren’t going to catch us now,” said Thompson, who currently trails Muller by four points but is 46 points clear of next rival Anthony Reid.

“There’s not a chance of them catching us unless we both have absolute disasters, but even if we did slip up on occasion I think the reversed grid rule will actually help us out a bit because no-one is going to have wins in all three races.

“To be honest, I’ve been disappointed by the opposition – I thought we’d have been pushed a lot harder. Nobody’s really impressed me. They’ve all been a bit average.”

Muller and Thompson out in front. Thompson has called the opposition "average" Thompson has also called on Vauxhall and its race preparation team Triple Eight for 100 per cent reliability from its Vauxhall Astras so that the title is decided by hard racing and not mechanical breakdowns. Indeed, he reckons he will have the upper hand over Muller when it comes to raw pace.

Thompson told btcc.net: “We both know it could come down to reliability, but hope it doesn’t become an issue. We did have some failures last year and Yvan had a problem at Silverstone this year. If one of us had an engine failure it could decide it ultimately.

“I think Yvan and I have been very evenly matched so far, but on pace I’ve generally been the quicker, particularly over one lap. I’ve also had what are historically my worst circuits and my best – Croft, Snetterton and Donington Park – are yet to come. They have always been particularly good for me.

“Consistency counts, but there’ll be no settling for positions from now and worrying about someone crashing into your car. You mustn’t hold back in your driving. Fortune favours the brave.”