Jason Plato is out in front as the fastest qualifier in this year's British Touring Car Championship field.

The 32-year-old, from Oxford, has set six fastest laps so far in the 24-round championship, which is twice as many as the next men, Banbury-based Prodrive Ford's Anthony Reid and Rickard Rydell.

Vauxhall also heads the manufacturer's tally with Plato's team-mate, Yvan Muller's two fastest laps at Silverstone taking the total to eight and confirming the Vectra as the car to catch.

Driving his Banbury-prepared Triple Eight Race Engineering 2.0-litre, 16-valve front-wheel drive Vauxhall Vectra, Plato's six fastest race times have been achieved periodically through the season emphasising the consistent performance of both man and machine.

Plato said: "I have to say that the Vectra has proved to be a great car, especially in race trim. Its consistency throughout the season has been crucial.

"But, I also try to be a consistent driver and not make too many mistakes myself. It's no good being fast but erratic, a driver has to learn how to be continually on the pace throughout a race."

This season, Plato has set pole position twice and powered his way to two wins, three second places and a third-place podium position.

The talented driver stands fifth in the championship with six rounds to go. The next round is as Brands Hatch on August 27 & 28.