JAMES THOMPSON will be fighting for his future at Monza on Sunday — even though he has just scored what he called “the most emotional win of my career”.

Thommo turned around a miserable season when he stormed to victory in his Honda Accord at the last World Touring Car Championship round.

But he needs an action replay at Monza to attract more support from Honda bosses for his privateer N.technology team.

Without that, the future looks bleak — and Thompson may be forced to search for another drive.

The Japanese giants have shown willing. For Monza they are providing N.technology, who have built and developed the Accord themselves, with a special engine from their Mugen tuning arm.

But judging by the last WTCC outing at Imola, Thompson might not need it. He scored a third in the first race, then swept to a stunning victory in Race 2.

Thommo was close to tears after a trying season in which he has been pummelled by the works BMWs, SEATs and Chevrolets that have dominated the series.

But the Yorkshireman also raised a laugh by saying: “I had forgotten what a podium looked like, other than the ones girls dance on.”

With its four long straights Monza should again suit the Honda, which has a strong engine and low drag, giving it a high top speed.

And Thompson said: “An action replay of Imola would be nice.

“We want to finish the season strongly to show there is plenty of life and potential in the programme.

“Until Imola it was a really tough year. I’ve had to bite my lip and everyone in the team has been working tirelessly for no reward.

“But now N.technology has made massive strides with the chassis.”

He added: “The win at Imola was probably the most emotional of my career. We had been down and out but bounced back so strongly.

“When I saw the look on the crew’s faces I wanted to stage-dive into them. They were all so, so happy.”

Thompson insisted he is committed to N.technology because he believes the Honda project can succeed spectacularly “given the right funding and support”.

There have been rumours the ex-British Touring Car champ could return to race here.

And he admitted: “I am looking elsewhere for work at the moment in case things don’t pan out. I’d be foolish not to.”

But he added: “My dream is to stay with N.technology and build something that can win me the world championship.”

Fellow Brits Rob Huff (Chevrolet) and Andy Priaulx (BMW) will also be gunning for wins at Monza.

Both are still in with a chance of the title but must score big if they are to stay in touch with SEAT’s pacemaker Yvan Muller.