VX RACING dominates season opener

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March 31, 2008 in Motorsport

VX RACING dominates season opener

VX Racing enjoyed a fantastic start to the 2008 HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) season at Brands Hatch, Kent, yesterday, where the reigning BTCC Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ Champions scored two race wins to begin the defence of their titles.

Race One

Fabrizio Giovanardi started race one from second on the grid and despite a slow start, fought his way back to close in on race leader Mat Jackson in the BWM 320si.

With changeable weather conditions, the reigning BTCC Champion caught Jackson and took advantage following a mistake by the BMW driver into Druids. The Italian kept a clear head, taking victory in his Vectra VXR.

Team-mates Matt Neal and Tom Onslow-Cole had an action-packed race in the mixed weather conditions, fighting for positions throughout with VX Racing’s title rivals. Neal finished the race in fifth place, with Onslow-Cole coming home in seventh position.

Race Two

Despite running with 45kg success ballast following his win in race one, Giovanardi got a great start to dominate race two from start to finish.

The safety car was deployed after Rob Collard spun on Paddock Hill Bend. Racing restarted on lap 12 with Giovanardi maximising his advantage to take a well-earned second victory of the day.

Meanwhile VX Racing’s Matt Neal and Tom Onslow-Cole enjoyed a close-fought battle, before the youngster squeezed past his double BTCC Champion team-mate going into Druids on lap 17 to take sixth position.

Race Three

Matt Neal scored a fantastic third place in the final race of the day, in a round that was marred by a huge accident involving Tom Onslow-Cole.

The youngster was the innocent bystander as he was punted into the barriers by Gordon Shedden after the Honda Civic driver was tagged by Jason Plato (SEAT Leon TDi).

Following his two victories earlier in the day, Fabrizio Giovanardi finished his day with a sixth position, after withstanding late pressure from former team-mate Tom Chilton (Honda Civic).

Fabrizio Giovanardi #1

“It’s fantastic to start the season with two wins, I had a great battle with Mat Jackson in the BMW in race one, whilst I didn’t expect to be quite so fast in race two because of the ballast I was carrying.

“I drew ninth on the grid for the third race and was able to take sixth at the end. I’m very pleased Tom is ok following his accident, whilst our strong form today means we can look forward to the rest of the season.”

Matt Neal #4

“Fifth in race one was pleasing despite being knocked into the grass and damaging the front splitter. The car felt great, so we were feeling positive for race two. We took a slightly different direction on setup which didn’t pay off immediately, but I was able to have a good fight with Tom (Onslow-Cole) but we knew the changes would help us in the third.

“It was great to finish on the podium in the final race, but I was very concerned about Tom (Onslow-Cole) after his big accident as he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. After that result I’m feeling really optimistic for Rockingham.”

Tom Onslow-Cole #10

“It was a good start to my VX Racing career, as I took seventh in race one and sixth in race two. Race three was slightly shorter! I was tagged by Gordon (Shedden) half-way around lap one and had quite a heavy accident. The car was very badly damaged, so there was no chance of carrying on.

“I was a little bit sore, but these things happen in racing. I’m settling into the team nicely, so things are looking good for the rest of the season.”Giovanardi fighting his way through to victoryBTCC Round One Race Result

1. Fabrizio Giovanardi (Vauxhall Vectra VXR)

2. Mat Jackson (BMW 320si)

3. Jason Plato (SEAT Leon TDi)

4. Darren Turner (SEAT Leon TDi)

5. Matt Neal (Vauxhall Vectra VXR)

6. Gordon Shedden (Honda Civic)

7. Tom Onslow-Cole (Vauxhall Vectra VXR)

8. Steven Kane (BMW 320si)

BTCC Round Two Race Result

1. Fabrizio Giovanardi (Vauxhall Vectra VXR)

2. Gordon Shedden (Honda Civic)

3. Jason Plato (SEAT Leon TDi)