New Honda Wins on Brands Hatch Debut
New Honda Wins on Brands Hatch Debut
The Honda Yuasa Racing Team kicked off its 2012 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship challenge in fine style with victory for its new Civic at the Brands Hatch season opener on Saturday 1 April.
Reigning champion Matt Neal qualified in second place and was fighting for the lead of race one when a clash between two rivals delayed him and allowed Rob Collard's BMW slip by to win. But Neal went one better in the second event, moving to the front and fighting off a challenge from rival Jason Plato after an intense battle.
Matt Neal explains:
When he hit me the second time I smiled - in a good way! He was quicker than me at that stage. Once ahead he braked a little early at Druids and I gave him a nudge. Then, at Clearways where he had been strong all day, he ran wide and left the door open.
The championship moves to Donington Park on April 14-15. Fans can also follow the Honda Yuasa Racing Team's exploits on Facebook and Twitter for news and race results as the action happens: