BTCC: Knockhill qualifying

NEWS FROM THE AUTO TRADER RAC BRITISH TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP Knockhill, 27th July 1996

Volvo's Rickard Rydell produced two storming qualifying performances at Knockhill in Scotland to grab pole position for both of tomorrow's (Sunday) rounds of the Auto Trader RAC Touring Car Championship.

It was assumed that the four-wheel-drive Audis of series leader Frank Biela and team-mate John Bintcliffe would dominate on the tight Highland circuit, but on-form Rydell stole Audi's thunder. What's more, the two extra points gained from these pole positions move the Swede up to second in the championship, ahead of Renault driver Alain Menu.

"I'm delighted," said Rydell. "But now I need to make two good starts. I'm surrounded on both grids by four-wheel-drive Audis and rear-driven BMWs and they're always very, very quick off their blocks -- especially Biela. To win I need to beat him into th e first corner, otherwise it's going to be really tough."

Scottish star David Leslie raised hopes of a home victory. The Dumfries driver, who scored Honda's maiden BTCC win two weeks ago at Silverstone, qualified in the top six for both races. Compatriot John Cleland struggled in his Vauxhall Vectra and is now praying for rain.

Qualifying for Auto Trader RAC Touring Car Championship -- round 17 Knockhill, Fife -- July 28 (12.30 pm) 1 Rickard Rydell (Swe), Volvo 850, 52.837 seconds; 88.57 mph. 2 Frank Biela (D), Audi A4, 53.026s. 3 Roberto Ravaglia (I), BMW 320i, 53.205s. 4 Jo Winkelhock (D), BMW 320i, 53.219s. 5 John Bintcliffe (GB), Audi A4, 53.239s. 6 David Leslie (GB), Honda Accord, 53.289s. 7 James Thompson (GB), Vauxhall Vectra, 53.300s. 8 Kelvin Burt (GB), Volvo 850, 53.412s. 9 John Cleland (GB), Vauxhall Vectra, 53.449s. 10 James Kaye (GB), Honda Accord, 53.508s. etc...

Qualifying for Auto Trader RAC Touring Car Championship -- round 18 Knockhill, Fife -- July 28 (3.05pm) 1 Rydell, 52.787 seconds; 88.57 mph. 2 Biela, 52.913s. 3 Ravaglia, 52.981s. 4 Bintcliffe, 53.113s. 5 Leslie, 53.155s. 6 Winkelhock, 53.345s. 7 J. Kaye, 53.349s. 8 Thompson, 53.403s. 9 Cleland, 53.444s. 10 Burt, 53.509s.

-- Official BTCC website: Best in British Motor Sport http://www.demon.co.uk/racing