Matt Neal reclaimed his usual spot on the front row of the grid in emphatic style during qualifying for round 17 of the Green Flag MSA British Touring Car Championship at Donington Park. The only disappointment for the Honda Racing driver was being beaten to pole position by his arch rival James Thompson by just one tenth of a second. Neal had recorded the fastest time in Friday’s second free practice session with his Honda Racing team-mate Tom Chilton hot on his heels in second.

Chilton also put in an impressive official qualifying performance today. Despite spinning off onto the grass during the second session he brought his Civic Type R home fourth fastest to take his place on the second row of the grid.

The third Civic Type R of Alan Morrison will start the race just behind him in sixth position. Morrison’s car is over 40 kilos heavier than his team-mates’, following his third place finish in the second race at Brands Hatch in the last round of the Championship.

Matt Neal: “I’m glad to be back on the front row again but I am a bit disappointed not to be on pole. I really thought I was going to do it on that last lap. The balance of the car was excellent and the tyres were great – position one was definitely in the Honda Civic Type R today.

“I just made a small mistake coming into Coppice on the last lap so it’s my own fault really. I’ll be looking for a good start tomorrow to get in front of James (Thompson) but I know it’s going to be a very close race.”

Alan Morrison: “Actually I’m very pleased. Not to be in sixth obviously but with the way the car felt out there today. I had a few problems during yesterday’s second free practice session so I just had to get out there today and really see how the car was going.

“I’m carrying 40 odd kilos more than Matt and was only three tenths of a second behind him so I think I’m on for a good race tomorrow.”

Tom Chilton: “I’m disappointed not to be on the front row after going so well yesterday in practice. I was only just behind Matt Neal and I know he was feeling the pressure.

“I was just taking it easy during the first session to get the rear tyres warmed up but then I span off in the second session and that lost me a bit of time. The car feels great and I’m confident that I’ve got a good set-up so I’m optimistic about tomorrow.”