James Thompson is confident he will one day win the World Touring Car Championship, although at present is unsure as to his future for next year.

After finishing third in last year's title race in his Alfa Romeo, 13 points behind Andy Priaulx, it would not have been unreasonable for Thompson to have figured prominently this season.

However, with Alfa Romeo pulling out, Thompson's N.Technology team made the switch to a Honda Accord, but due to the late running of their programme were forced to miss the first two weekends.

It has since been a question of playing catch-up, with the 34-year-old from Leeds at least taking three points in his last three races.

Heading into this weekend's 11th and 12th rounds of the series at Estoril, Thompson was fastest in the recent test at Monza, and won a round of the Danish Touring Car Championship.

"It was nice to at least stand on top of the podium again as I was beginning to forget what it looked like," Thompson told PA Sport.

"It at least means there's a little bit of momentum flowing at the moment. Our tails are up and confidence is rising compared to how it was at the beginning of the year.

"We've been working exceptionally hard, including in between every race, to try and catch up some of the ground we lost by starting so late with our programme.

"I'm confident with the team we've got, and work ethic we have, we can achieve some results, although maybe not until the last third of the season."

It has simply become a question of one race at a time for Thompson as next year is still up in the air.

"I don't know what will be happening," stated Thompson, a former double British Touring Car champion.

"I'm sure they (Honda) want to be involved. It's down to budgets and if they want to compete, but I know I'm in it for the long haul.

"I got involved in this programme as I thought it had the potential to win me the world championship.

"I also think I'm with the best team in the pit lane, so I would hate to think it is a one-year situation.

"That is why we have to achieve results and convince people the continuation of the programme is the right thing to do."

If that becomes the case, Thompson feels certain he will win the world title.

"That is definitely the goal," confirmed Thompson.

"That's what we are working towards, and although we're not going to win it this year, maybe next year or the year after.

"If the programme continues, I know with this team we will be able to challenge for any championship."

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