Matt Neal qualified in second position and claimed his regular front row spot at Snetterton for the 13th round of the British Touring Car Championship later today. It was a superb performance from the 36-year-old Worcestershire driver who set the lap record at the fast Norfolk circuit in 2002 and improved from the sixth fastest time in yesterday’s free practice.

His young Honda Racing team-mate Tom Chilton claimed his best ever qualifying performance to take third place behind James Thompson and Neal. The 18-year-old Surrey driver has steadily improved throughout the season and his second row start is no more than he deserves for some superb drives in recent rounds.

The third Honda Racing Civic Type R of Alan Morrison was eighth in a closely fought qualifying session. The early morning mist cleared and the temperature started to rise both and off the track as the BTCC drivers battled to secure those all-important front row starting positions.

Matt Neal: “I’m very pleased to have maintained my 100% front row record after qualifying. I knew it would be tough out there after yesterday’s free practice. However, I felt we had something in reserve and the crew did a fantastic job on the car. We had a lower level of grip than yesterday and we all suffered a bit from oversteer in the first part of the session but we managed to get that right. I am a bit disappointed though that James managed to beat me to pole but the most important thing is that we get a win for Honda Racing today.”

Tom Chilton: “I’m over the moon with that. I keep improving with every race and I’m getting a better qualifying position every time. The boys did a great job on the car and I think we’re looking really strong this weekend. I just need to get a good start and run with the leading group. We’ve got a slight weight advantage on James Thompson and I think we could be right on him from the start.”

Alan Morrison: “Obviously I’m disappointed with eighth and a fourth row starting position after being second in yesterday’s free practice. I was faster all day yesterday but I just couldn’t seem to get on the same pace this morning. I need to concentrate on the races now and put this morning behind me if I can.”