BTCC: VX Racing Colby race one notes

VX Racing's Matt Neal put in a stunning performance to clinch his first podium position for the team in today's round four of the HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) at Rockingham, Northamptonshire.

Neal, who started from second on the grid, had a nose-to-tail fight with the SEAT of Darren Turner in the early stages of the race. Rain started to come down on lap 11, and despite running wide coming into Deene due to the slippery surface, Neal kept a cool head and fought his way back to take third place.

Tom Onslow-Cole started from sixth on the grid and had great battles throughout the 16-lap race, including with team-mates Neal and Fabrizio Giovanardi. The 20-year-old, who set the fastest lap of the race on lap two in the Vectra VXR, brought home a solid seventh place in the end.

The reigning BTCC Champion Giovanardi meanwhile was also fighting for positions with Mat Jackson's BMW and also finished in the points, coming home in fifth.

A silent minute was held ahead of the start of the race to remember ex-touring car driver David Leslie and Richard Lloyd (Apex Motorsport team owner and ex-Audi Sport UK team owner), who sadly lost their lives in a plane crash two weeks ago.

The second race of today will start at 13:25 at the Northamptonshire circuit.

Matt Neal #4

"It was a very interesting race. I had a good fight with Darren Turner early on and later with Adam Jones. The track started to become very slippery, but with only five laps to go we kept it fairly clean and I'm really pleased to secure my first podium position for VX Racing."

-credit: vxr