BTCC Rounds 1,2 & 3
An action packed first round sees three winners from as many races.
Matt Neal, Robert Collard and Jason Plato shared the wins in last weekend’s opening three rounds of the British Touring Car Championship season at Brands Hatch, Kent.
But there was disaster for reigning champion Fabrizio Giovanardi, after the Vauxhall ace only managed to get on the scoreboard in race one. His final two races of the day resulted in one finish out of the points and a retirement.
VX Racing’s Neal won race one, fighting back through the order after losing his pole position advantage at the start. Rob Collard secured victory in race two, giving his Airwaves BMW team a first-ever win in the BTCC. But he had to work hard, after being involved in a race long tussle with Team RAC’s Colin Turkington.
In the final race of the day it was the turn of veteran Jason Plato to take the top step of the podium. The 2001 champ was making his debut in the Chevrolet Lacetti, having only secured the deal to drive the car days before the start of the championship.
However, on track it had been the BMW of Jonathan Adam that crossed the line first, but officials demoted the series newcomer to second as punishment for a clash with Plato in the opening laps.
Neal now leads the drivers standings, after adding two third places to his race one win. The two-time champ was pleased with his results, but keen to stress there was a long way to go in the championship.
“I’m just really pleased with how my season has started and with the Vectra’s performance”, claimed Neal. “Fabrizio has had a bit of a stinker today, but he’s normally the master of steering clear of trouble so if it can happen to him it can happen to any of us. Furthermore, it’s not just him I need to worry about – there are at least another six drivers who are genuine title contenders”.
Next up the teams travel to Thruxton, Hampshire on 26 April.
