BTCC: Snetterton race one notes

Vauxhall's Paul O'Neill has taken his first Green Flag MSA British Touring Car Championship race victory of the season in the first of today's (Saturday) two races at Snetterton.

O'Neill's Astra Coupe inherited the lead just two laps from home when Alan Morrison's Honda Civic Type-R, which had taken over in front during the mandatory tyre change pit stops, cruelly broke down. Morrison had also been on course for his maiden win of 2003 at the time.

O'Neill lead team-mates James Thompson and Yvan Muller across the line in a Vauxhall 1-2-3, with Honda's Matt Neal fourth and the MG ZS of Anthony Reid fifth.

James Kaye, in Synchro's Honda Civic Type-R, held off fellow privateer Rob Collard's Astra Coupe to take Hilton Independents Trophy honours.

Luke Hines, in Barwell Motorsport's Honda Civic Type-R, took victory in the Production class to extend his points lead.

The opening six laps of the race were run behind the BTCC Safety Car after a startline pile-up eliminated several leading drivers and blocked the track.

For all the latest Green Flag MSA British Touring Car Championship news and results, visit the BTCC's official website www.tocatour.co.uk