MATT Neal believes Jason Plato is capable of a hat-trick of wins when the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship visits Oulton Park this weekend.

The Honda Racing Team star, currently top of the drivers’ standings after three rounds, refused to rule out a return to form for the reigning champion.

“If he [Jason] qualifies at the front then he could win all three races because the Chevvy is so strong in race trim,” said Neal.

“I’m aiming to pick up whatever points I can.

“The Honda is a brilliant car but hard on brakes; the circuit has a lot of stopping and starting so we’ll just have to see how we go.”

Mat Jackson (Airwaves Racing) is a dozen points adrift of Neal in the title race.

He has fond memories of the Little Budworth track after scoring a maiden victory there back in 2007.

“Matt remains the man to beat but I think Oulton Park can be good for us.

“We did a pre-season test there with the car and it went well.”

However Plato (Silverline Chevrolet) has the best record in Cheshire of the current field, leaving him hopeful of improving upon his sixth position in the standings.

Widnes-based Paul O’Neill will also be hoping to kickstart his campaign after enduring mixed fortune to date.

“It’s my home circuit so I’m looking for big things,” he said.

“The team has an appetite to do well.”

Touring car qualifying is on Saturday afternoon.

Sunday’s three touring car races are backed by a busy support programme featuring the Air Asia Renault Clio Cup, Formula Renault 2.0 UK Championship, Ginetta Junior Championship, Michelin Ginetta GT Supercup and Porsche Carrera Cup GB.

Racing starts at 12.15pm.

Adults pay £30 to watch the action on race day, while U13s are admitted free.

Entry on the gate on Saturday is £12.

Spectators can enter the circuit from 7am on both days. Parking is free.

There is a free pitlane walkabout and autograph session at 10.35am on Sunday.