Drivers in the 2002 Michelin Porsche Cup have voted Sussex ace Mark Sumpter as clear favourite for the crown.

The former British GTO champion was the most popular choice when all the drivers in the championship were asked to predict their top three selections for the end of year standings.

Sumpter, from Five Ashes in East Sussex, said: "I hope this hasn't put the kiss of death on my championship hopes.

"It does add to the pressure to stay ahead and I just hope the other drivers will do their bit to help me win!"

Sumpter has an early 13-point lead in the championship following a brace of wins in the opening round at Brands Hatch last weekend.

Sumpter qualified his Paragon Porsche 911GT3 in pole position and went on to win the first race of the weekend, the sprint race.

The Sussex driver got a good start to the race to head Peter Chambers into the first corner. The early challenge from Chambers ended when he spun off at Surtees and Sumpter was left with a clear run to victory.

He said: "Pete was pushing me quite hard but I tried to keep it calm in the first couple of laps."

This was followed by a second victory in Monday's feature race in front of an estimated 25,000 fans at Brands Hatch.

Sumpter led from start to finish of the 18-lap race but he was pushed hard all the way by Adrian Slater.

The double success has given him a clear lead in the championship but Sumpter admitted he had been given a good contest.

He said: "Mid-race I had a couple of scrappy laps and Adrian was right there again but I held on.

"The crowd was fantastic. It's great to be running with the British Touring Car Championship."

The second round is at Oulton Park on April 20/21.