The sprint race at Donington Park saw James Thompson convert his pole position in to a race win, as the Vauxhall Astra Coupes again stole the show, taking the first four positions. In the Production class, Norwegian driver Roger Moen took victory for the HTML team, although it was team mate Harrison who led for much of the race. Gavin Pyper and Mat Jackson were second and third respectively.

From the start of the race, Thompson held the lead, whilst Muller was second and Bennett third. Phil Bennett passed Muller to make it an Egg Sport one-two, before running wide and dropping to the back of the Touring pack. In the Production class, Gavin Pyper had to start from the back of the grid, despite qualifying in first place. As the green flag was waved, it was Collard in his Clio who moved through to lead in to the first corner, however he was re-passed by Harrison, Howell and Moen.

A battle was developing between Kurt Luby and Steve Soper, until Luby retired due to handling problems with the IS200. Phil Bennett steadily made up ground after his off, and he and Aaron Slight swapped paintwork as Bennett passed the New Zealander.

In the Production class, overall race leader, with the Tourers playing catch-up, was still Simon Harrison. Gareth Howell developed a radiator problem, and dropped back through the field before coming in to the pits to retire. Gavin Pyper moved up through the pack, and by lap 10, was up to 4th position. He then benefited as Simon Harrison developed a problem, handing the lead to HTML team-mate Moen. Mat Jackson was then second with a considerable gap back to Pyper. However Simon Graves' spin at the Fogarty Esses caused the safety car to be brought out for the first time since the introduction of the new sprint race formula, bunching the cars together, and closing up the gap between classes as well.

After two laps behind the safety car, the race resumes with four laps to go. The three Astras of Thompson, Muller and Plato proceeded to pass the remaining Production cars, and then fought with each other. Jason Plato made a strong move stick to take second position away from Muller. Also making up position, was Gavin Pyper, who took second in the Production class away from Jackson, a superb performance, given that the Scot started from the back. The order in both classes then remained unchanged through to the chequered flag.

Driver Comments:

Yvan Muller: "I took a couple of knocks on the right wheel and I had problems with the brakes. Jason took my bumper off down at the Melbourne Hairpin. He had problems with the brakes and he hit my right rear and I was completely sideways in third gear. The race with Jason was fair and even if it wasn't I wouldn't tell you! I think it was a good race for the people to watch and also for the TV."

James Thompson: "I had a lonely race out there but that's the way I like it! And then the safety car came out but then we only had another 3 laps in the race. Luckily I had a few of the Production guys between me and Yvan initially. Then Yvan and Jason had their own little race so I managed to sneak away again."

Jason Plato: "It's good racing with Yvan - I know he's not going to do anything stupid, and he knows I won't. 'Rubbing's racing', as they say.

I haven't got the car how I want it. The engine's at the end of it's life and will be changed before the next meeting. James has the newest engine, and you can see the difference it makes."

Mat Jackson: "I got a great start and it was going well. You've got to be there to pick up the pieces, and luckily it was us in the right place this time. The safety car robbed me really - I had a big lead over Gavin, but that let him close up, and then he got past."