Qualifying report

Sat 19th September 2009 Warwickshire’s Mat Jackson will start the first of tomorrow’s three HiQ British Touring Car Championship races from third position after a tight qualifying session at Northamptonshire’s Rockingham circuit today.

The Racing Silverline driver set the fastest time in second practice before dominating qualifying in his RML-run Chevrolet Lacetti – only losing his provisional pole position in the closing laps when the temperature dropped. He set a best time of 1m24.300s, just 0.213s shy of the fastest lap.

“We are at the right end of the grid but it is a bit frustrating to have the pace early on and not quite make pole,” said Mat, who is based in Henley-In-Arden. “But third is still a good result and we are in a great position to carry on my run of six consecutive podiums.

“I know that I’ve got the race pace I need to win and we have a great package – the guys have done another top job,” added the 28-year-old. “I won here at Rockingham last year and I’m confident I can stand on the top step again tomorrow... bring it on.”

Mat currently lies fifth overall in the championship standings with 136 points, having scored four wins this season – three of those in the last two rounds.