THE British Touring Car Championship took an unexpected twist at Donington Park when James Thompson cruelly lost his four-point championship lead.

The 28-year-old York driver suffered a blown engine in the second of the two practice sessions yesterday and, as championship rules dictate, will consequently be docked five points.

Vauxhall Motorsport teammate, Yvan Muller now inherits the lead with a one-point advantage goining into tomorrow's final two rounds.

Said Thompson (pictured), "I just don't seem to have my fair share of the luck this season, it's so frustrating."

Updated: 11:22 Saturday, September 21, 2002