BTCC 2019 season discussion, News and Rumours!

[btccbloke]

Originally Posted by Mike Harte

I would have thought a seat in one of the Astras, or perhaps in a (Motorbase) Focus, would be more likely.

i have had from more than 1 source over the years that Bartram and Plato dont get on

[porsche962fan]

is there someone left with who he gets on ?

[btccbloke]

Originally Posted by yellowbeard

Did you really see him going to BMR before it happened ? I know it came as a real surprise to me when it was announced, so I wouldn't rule anything out.

to be honest... Yes, realistically where else would you have pitched him after 2014? he was running out of time and patience with his MG contract, BMR were pushing forward and having had Alain Menu in 2014 were clearly up for big names, and if he really did have all the Subaru dream in place, Warren Scott would have probably heard about it and with no works ties bit his hand off to build his brand... only with no money! but where else could he go? Motorbase had no money so didnt race, Dynamics was always a no, WSR maybe? but i think he upset them too much in the year crying about RWD advantages, there were not many other teams he could have gone to that would have been in a state to win "out of the box" in 2015

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by porsche962fan

is there someone left with who he gets on ?

This is one of those hard questions that would be befitting of University Challenge!

Someone mentioned Alonso earlier, he and Plato are in many ways similar. The more I think about it, the more they are...

[Evantra]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

This is one of those hard questions that would be befitting of University Challenge!

Someone mentioned Alonso earlier, he and Plato are in many ways similar. The more I think about it, the more they are...

Except one is liked... and still has many years left in his career!

[Nononsensecapeesh]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

This is one of those hard questions that would be befitting of University Challenge!

Someone mentioned Alonso earlier, he and Plato are in many ways similar. The more I think about it, the more they are...

I'm the one comparing Plato with Alonso, they both have a disturbing tendency to whinge a lot.

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by porsche962fan

is there someone left with who he gets on ?

Yes - every team owner that wants a driver who can get them plenty of airtime, and a lucrative sponsorship deal.

Just look at what is coming out from Adrian Flux recently. In 2017, it took until the last couple of rounds before Sutton received more than a passing mention - and even then it talked about how Plato would help his title challenge.

This year, even though Sutton is carrying the #1 on his car - Plato still gets more column inches in Adrian Flux press releases. Sutton, BMR, Subaru - all are still on the grid because of JP.

When the chequebook is open, bad blood washes down the drain very quickly.

[porsche962fan]

^ so why isn't he at Dynamics or WSR yet ?

or say Speedworks ?

[Nononsensecapeesh]

Originally Posted by porsche962fan

^ so why isn't he at Dynamics or WSR yet ?

or say Speedworks ?

The Neal family would never take Plato for a start...

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by porsche962fan

^ so why isn't he at Dynamics or WSR yet ?

or say Speedworks ?

For the same reason he has changed teams/cars regularly - and the same reason means he lives in Monaco and flies into each event.

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by Nononsensecapeesh

I'm the one comparing Plato with Alonso, they both have a disturbing tendency to whinge a lot.

Indeed they do. They should form a whinging dream team. Run a sports car entry at Le Mans or something like that. Important to ensure there is plenty of stuff to whinge about though:

1) so power it with a crap engine.

2) drive the wrong wheels.

3) stick a fast young man in the sister car to kick your arse.

4) take some professional grumbling coaching about how crap everything is. Other than you that is.

[Nononsensecapeesh]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

Indeed they do. They should form a whinging dream team. Run a sports car entry at Le Mans or something like that. Important to ensure there is plenty of stuff to whinge about though:

1) so power it with a crap engine.

2) drive the wrong wheels.

3) stick a fast young man in the sister car to kick your arse.

4) take some professional grumbling coaching about how crap everything is. Other than you that is.

Last but not least, continue acting like ungrateful swines even when the team's competing at the front, Plato did even after qualifying on the front row at Croft.

[btccbloke]

Originally Posted by porsche962fan

^ so why isn't he at Dynamics or WSR yet ?

or say Speedworks ?

honestly, i expected to see him taking a pair of Subarus to Speedworks this season. I was very surprised when the announcements were made

[touringlegend]

Originally Posted by btccbloke

honestly, i expected to see him taking a pair of Subarus to Speedworks this season. I was very surprised when the announcements were made

This could actually be a good point. Where the Subaru’s (if any) end up next year may not be as straightforward as it seems

Can anyone give us an update on who owns what cars. I seem to remember Subaru UK own two of them - presumably the cars that are still being used

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by Nononsensecapeesh

Last but not least, continue acting like ungrateful swines even when the team's competing at the front, Plato did even after qualifying on the front row at Croft.

Defo. I think he learned that one from Nigel "I won the race but the car was rubbish" Mansell 😁

[Nononsensecapeesh]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

Defo. I think he learned that one from Nigel "I won the race but the car was rubbish" Mansell 😁

Oh yes, maybe...

[btccbloke]

Originally Posted by touringlegend

This could actually be a good point. Where the Subaru’s (if any) end up next year may not be as straightforward as it seems

Can anyone give us an update on who owns what cars. I seem to remember Subaru UK own two of them - presumably the cars that are still being used

I remember Speedworks took a long time to confirm they would continue with the Avensis as they were "assessing options", and Toyota motorsport sent a few tweets implying they were not going to be in BTCC 2018, JP was also not seemingly too committed to BMR as they took ages to confirm him and I remember how highly he spoke quite highly of Tingram previously
2+2 =17 there but i was very surprised at the start of the season that it was just the normal status quo

[btccbloke]

Originally Posted by Nononsensecapeesh

Last but not least, continue acting like ungrateful swines even when the team's competing at the front, Plato did even after qualifying on the front row at Croft.

he needs more boost, same as its ever been since the Scoobys came in, fastest time round the track but still not quick enough... go figure

[Nononsensecapeesh]

Originally Posted by btccbloke

he needs more boost, same as its ever been since the Scoobys came in, fastest time round the track but still not quick enough... go figure

Nothing excuses the incessant whining Plato's always coming out with.

[psq43]

Originally Posted by crmalcolm

For the same reason he has changed teams/cars regularly - and the same reason means he lives in Monaco and flies into each event.

The Monaco thing I believe is well into history now. Lovely large barn conversion on the outskirts of Abingdon is the way to go

[porsche962fan]

the best thing for the series would be if the Subarus disappear from the grid

[btccbloke]

Originally Posted by porsche962fan

the best thing for the series would be if the Subarus disappear from the grid

I second this, however would it be different if they were run by a more professional outfit?

[Nononsensecapeesh]

Originally Posted by btccbloke

I second this, however would it be different if they were run by a more professional outfit?

It's not the Subaru's that should disappear, Plato should retire and save his moaning for team management or at least anyone who will listen.

[Racer65]

Plato hasn't lived in Monaco for years has he?

[btccbloke]

Originally Posted by Nononsensecapeesh

It's not the Subaru's that should disappear, Plato should retire and save his moaning for team management or at least anyone who will listen.

Wouldn't worry, not even Louise Goodman interviews him anymore so you don't get to hear so much moaning now anyway.