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N.Technology was denied a likely points finish on the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) debut of the Honda Accord Euro R Super 2000, developed together with JAS Motorsport, at Valencia after James Thompson's impressive weekend was ruined by contact with other drivers together with the fact that Honda was given no weight compensation.

Despite the car only having completed five days testing before its first race, Thompson got a great start from 11^th on the grid to eight position, then won seventh position from BMW's Andy Priaulx after a daring overtaking manoeuvre at the end of lap one.

Thompson defended the position superbly for over half the race until Priaulx forced past the N.Technology car on lap eight. He was then hit by Tiago Monteiro, who was later penalised for the contact, which pushed Thompson down to 12^th place.

Thompson was classified 11^th after Monteiro was given a 30-second penalty for the incident, meaning that he started the second race from the sixth row. From 11^th on the grid, Thompson held position throughout the second race despite again being hit by rival competitors.

James Thompson, car number 15

"When I was hit by Andy it just wasn't an overtaking place and it was the same with Tiago. It's frustrating because the first laps went really well and I was up to seventh. It would be a fantastic reward for all the effort the team has put in on this car to have started the second race from the front row and have a chance to fight for the podium.

"I had to defend a lot in the first part of the race but I was holding onto the position, it's just a shame that we lost out not because of any mistake on my part but because of what other drivers were doing.

"From 11^th on the grid in the second race it was always going to be a big ask to get make much progress. Yet again my fellow competitors used my race car as their braking point and I was hit several times during the race, Valencia was not a good weekend for us."

Mauro Sipsz, Team principal

"For me racing is about winning as we have done many many times before. Our debut has been handicapped due to our weight. Our competitors today have enjoyed racing with weight dispensations, unlike us. The weight issue, has negative consequences in many different areas and obviously effects our overall performance.

"This weekend it was never a realistic possibility to have success based on the fact that we had no weight reduction unlike our racing colleagues. I hope that authorities will take the appropriate action so N.Technology can show case its hard work, and the true potential of the Honda Accord Euro R Super 2000."

FIA World Touring Car Championship - Valencia

Round five result

1. Rob Huff (GBR), Chevrolet Lacetti

2. Gabriele Tarquini (ITA), SEAT Leon TDI

3. Jordi Gene (ESP), SEAT Leon TDI

4. Yvan Muller (FRA), SEAT Leon TDI

5. Jorg Muller (GER), BMW 320si

6. Nicola Larini (ITA), Chevrolet Lacetti

7. Andy Priaulx (GBR), BMW 320si

8. Alain Menu (SUI), Chevrolet Lacetti

11. James Thompson (GBR), Honda Accord Euro R Super 2000

FIA World Touring Car Championship - Valencia

Round six result

1. Alain Menu (SUI), Chevrolet Lacetti

2. Rob Huff (GBR), Chevrolet Lacetti

3. Andy Priaulx (GBR), BMW 320si

4. Jorg Muller (GER), BMW 320si

5. Gabriele Tarquini (ITA), SEAT Leon TDI

6. Jordi Gene (ESP), SEAT Leon TDI

7. Rickard Rydell (SWE), SEAT Leon TDI

8. Yvan Muller (FRA), SEAT Leon TDI

11. James Thompson (GBR), Honda Accord Euro R Super 2000