New Malden racer Tom Onslow-Cole is hoping team orders don’t cost him when the British Touring Cars Championship reaches its climax on Sunday.

The 23-year-old - a four-time race winner this season - goes into the final weekend at Brands Hatch only 24 points behind championship leader Jason Plato.

It could have been a much a narrower gap had he not been forced to concede points to team-mate Tom Chilton in a bid to make sure both Team Aon driver’s remained in the hunt for top slot.

The Arena Motorsport-run, Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) powered out-fit have had to overcome engine restrictions forced on them by race organisers in a season of challenges.

And Onslow-Cole, who was always confident of mounting a title bid this term, is relieved he can put the ‘hurdles’ behind him to go all out for the crown on the final day.

“To have overcome all of the hurdles we have and be in this position is a fantastic achievement in itself,” he said.

“We have given away some points, but there is nothing you can do about that. It is part of racing and you have to play the game.

“You can’t get down about the ifs and buts. We just have to go out and get the points elsewhere. We haven’t quite done that, but are still in a good position.

“I’m not overly surprised to be where we are. You have to believe in yourself to get this far and all the external factors go out of the window now.”

Onslow-Cole’s rivals Plato, Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden have earned few friends this season and the Team Aon man hopes that can work in his favour.

He was a former team-mate of Neal’s at VX Racing, but while Onslow-Cole is expecting no favours from him he is hoping to cash in a few chips elsewhere at the weekend.

“They have more experience than me, but I learnt a lot from Neal when and I think that has stood me in good stead,” he added.

“I haven’t had any run-ins with anyone else on the circuit. I’ve got a clean licence as far as that is concerned.

“Hopefully, that will work in my favour. In the rough and tumble of racing I’m hoping they’ll have fewer friends than me.”

Story of the season - so far.

Thruxton - 13th, 12th, 7th.

Rockingham - 8th, 7th, 7th.

Brands Hatch GP - 3rd, 1st, 10th.

Oulton Park - 1st,3rd, 5th.

Croft - 8th, 5th, 2nd.

Snetterton -6th, 3rd, 16th.

Silverstone - 2nd, 3rd, 1st.

Knockhill - 7th, 7th, 2nd.

Donington Park - 8th, 1st, 9th.

Brands Hatch Indy - ???.

As it stands- BTCC Driver’s Championship.

1. Jason Plato - 224.

2. Matt Neal - 207.

3. Gordon Shedden - 203.

4. Toms Onlsow-Cole - 200.