Matt Neal says he will be going ‘all-out- for victory in the extended, double-length British Touring Car Championship race that will conclude this weekend’s action at Snetterton.
The BTCC will be holding a double-length race to conclude this weekend’s action in celebration of 60 years of the UK’s top racing series.
Neal, who has been active in the BTCC since 1991, is particularly keen to make a mark in the ballast-free double-length race, given his long tenure in the championship, including securing three outright titles.
The Honda driver heads into the weekend third in the championship standings, and as such has to carry 57 kg of success ballast.
However he is not fazed by the prospect, with ballast only being applied in the first two races, and having been third fastest in the first day of the two-day test session held at the Norfolk circuit earlier in the month.
“It is an honour to play a part in another landmark weekend for the BTCC as a Honda driver,” said Neal. “It is renowned as one of the top touring car championships in the world for good reason and I am proud to have made a contribution towards its internationally revered reputation over the years.
“Looking ahead to the event itself, while qualifying and race one will certainly be a challenge given the success ballast we’ll be carrying, the recent test demonstrated the Civic Type R is in its element at Snetterton with its blend of high-speed stretches and demanding twists and turns.”
Following the first two races of the weekend, there will be an additional qualifying session ahead of the double-length race three, which will also see all cars run on their base weight. Neal expects this to play to the strengths of the new Honda as he seeks to bag the double points on offer.
“I will be going all-out for victory in race three, where the extra qualifying session and zero ballast puts us in a great position to bag a big chunk of double points to boost both mine and Honda’s title hopes. Bring it on!”