Yorkshireman James Thompson has qualified in pole position for the first of tomorrow’s three Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship races at his local Croft circuit, after his unbeaten time of 1:26.213 (88.81mph) on his last flying lap elevated him from seventh place. His SEAT Sport UK team-mate Jason Plato qualified 4th with a time of 1:26.340 (88.68mph), just 0.127 seconds behind. The two Leon drivers are separated by Tom Chilton and Matt Neal.

In very hot and sunny conditions, James – who holds the BTCC race lap record around the North Yorkshire track – pulled out an astonishing flying lap in the final minute of qualifying to snatch pole position. The time relegated Jason one place on the grid, but he’s still pleased with his second row starting slot, having not driven the SEAT Leon for six weeks.

The largest BTCC grid of the season has gathered at Croft, and close racing tomorrow is assured as the top 11 of the 20 cars have qualified within one second of each other.

James said: “I’m really pleased with pole, because I had to fight hard for it. I had some contact with Mark Smith’s Alfa early in the session and it damaged a rear wheel, so my car wasn’t quite at its best. Things were tricky after that. I had one flying lap that was very average, so I came into the pits to check the car and went out again with just a few minutes left and sneaked up at the front. I had to do one lap and that was it – it was a case of put up or shut up!”

Jason said: “Qualifying today was very nip and tuck – there was nothing in it. I just didn’t hook up that perfect lap and each time I was on a flier I’d have to come off the throttle or I’d come into a corner a fraction too fast and understeer – it just wasn’t quite on the nail today. It’s probably because I’ve not sat in the car for six weeks. James has done a great job to get pole and I’m happy with what I’ve done because I’m sure things will come good over a race distance.”

A large crowd of spectators are expected at Croft circuit tomorrow, where they’ll see Rounds 13, 14 and 15 of the BTCC at 12.01, 14.45 and 16.50. Motors TV (Sky 413, ntl 173) will be broadcasting live throughout race day, while ITV1’s broadcast begins at 16.15 – with the third race shown live.