Tony Lynch has his sights set on the championship lead as the Monster Energy MSA British Rallycross Championship returns to Lydden Hill in Kent this weekend for the sixth round of the year.

Westhoughton-based Tony goes into the Bank Holiday Monday meeting sitting in a share of third place in the BMW Mini class on the back of his fourth podium finish of the year last time out at Maasmechelen.

That result in Belgium came after Tony and his Lucas Oil Team Geriatric team were forced to bounce back from a clash in the final heat of the weekend that left his car with damaged suspension – with the team winning a race against time to ensure he was able to take his place in the final.

With the team able to carry out more extensive repairs back at base following its return from Belgium, Tony now makes the long trip south seeking to better the third place finish he secured at Lydden Hill during the opening round of the year back in March.

That podium came despite Tony only confirming his entry into the BMW Mini class at the eleventh hour, and with more experience of the car now under his belt, he heads into the weekend optimistic about his chances.

“Although we didn’t get the win we hoped for last time out in Belgium, we were able to close the gap to the championship leader and maintained a strong position in the standings,” he said. “Although we are equal third in the standings, we’re only eight points away from top spot, and it is imperative with three rounds to go that we pick up some big points – especially as we have dropped scores to take into account.

“Lydden Hill is one of my favourite circuits so it’s the ideal place for me to really push on this weekend and get the kind of result we need to put us firmly in the championship fight.

“The pressure is on as we can’t afford a bad result in these final three rounds and I’m confident that we can come away from this weekend with some strong points on the board. I can’t wait to get started.”