Oxford driver Jason Plato and Seat teammate James Thompson (Harrogate) took the glory in the opening three rounds of the 2006 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch.

The day was a disaster for champion Matt Neal (Droitwich), who crashed out of the final race and now stands fifth in the standings.

Thompson is the new leader, ahead of BTCC's two rising British stars Colin Turkington and Tom Chilton (Reigate), with Plato in fourth.

The day was a resounding success for Seat, whose new Leon model has secured victory in all three opening rounds.

Thompson worked his way through to overtake Chilton's Vauxhall Astra for the lead in the closing stages to take round one, Plato having to retire with crash damage.

Despite carrying maximum success ballast in his car for round two, Thompson led all the way from pole position to secure his second victory of the day, while Jordan survived a multiple collision to finish fifth. He also set the race's fastest lap time.

Plato took a shortened third race, overtaking Collard at the start and later nipping past Chilton on the way to a comfortable victory.

Officials ended the race four laps early after a crash.

The BTCC now heads to the Mondello Park circuit in Ireland for the next three rounds on Sunday, April 23.