BTCC: VX Racing Thruxton qualifying report

Tom Onslow-Cole bagged his second consecutive pole for VX Racing

Tom Onslow-Cole secured his second consecutive pole position for VX Racing with an outstanding display in today's qualifying for round ten of the 2008 HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) at Thruxton.

Onslow-Cole, who celebrated his 21st birthday yesterday (Friday), set the benchmark on his third lap in the 30-minute-session. The young driver dominated the timing sheets for the remainder to take home a superb front-row spot with a time of 1:17.165.

The reigning BTCC Champion Fabrizio Giovanardi enjoyed a fantastic run and took second position, despite running with maximum success ballast of 45kg. The Italian set a time of 1:17.425.

Matt Neal contributed to VX Racing's great qualifying session by coming home in fourth place with a time of 1:17.525, putting all three Vectra VXR's in the top four for tomorrow's first race.

Rounds ten, 11 and 12 will be held at the Hampshire circuit tomorrow (Sunday) with the first race starting at 10:55.

Tom Onslow-Cole #10

"That was actually a scary lap, I don't think I breathed at all. I actually think we could have squeezed a little bit more out of the car but it was enough for pole position.

"This is my second pole and something has definitely clicked. We found the perfect set-up today and I'm very excited to race tomorrow. This is a great birthday present."

Fabrizio Giovanardi #1

"Considering I've got 45kg ballast onboard, I'm very happy. On my last lap I took all curbs through the last chicane and nearly lost control of the car. If I had taken that a bit smoother, I reckon I could have been on pole."

Matt Neal #4

"I went out on my last fast lap with my mind set to achieve a 1.17.000; the mind-set was right but the actions were weak. I had a big slide at the back of the circuit and I couldn't improve my time.

"Being fourth is still a good position to go into tomorrow's race and it should be an interesting start."

-credit: vxr.co.uk.