Aiello edges nearer to title

The Frenchman's win took him nearer to the drivers' title, while guest driver Gabriele Tarquini finished second.

An action-packed first lap saw Nissan's David Leslie go off the track, while Honda team-mates Thompson and Kox clashed.

Both Hondas returned to the pits, while Leslie rejoined at the rear.

This left Honda's STW import Gabriele Tarquini in a perfect position to move up to second. He remained there to score a successful return to the Championship he won in 1994.

Aiello was delighted with his win.

He said, 'It was important to start in front of the others as it is very difficult to overtake here,' he said. 'Afterwards I just had to control the tyres. I am very glad to have some luck back after a few unlucky races.'

Meanwhile, Tarquini was equally satisfied with his performance.

'I am really pleased with this result, especially at Knockhill,' he said.

'I had problems here, when I rolled in 1994. But I was third last time, and second today, so perhaps I'll win next time.'

Third place was disputed between Ford Mondeo team-mates Menu and Reid, with the Swiss driver overtaking on the sixth lap and taking the last podium position.

'The car is competitive, and it's nice to prove it,' he said.

Further back, Yvan Muller made a great start in his Vauxhall Vectra, rising from fourteenth on the grid to sixth by the end of the first lap.

'After than it was impossible, and I concentrated on getting the car across the line,' the Frenchman said.

He was passed first by Matt Neal, then by Cleland and a recovering Leslie, finally crossing the line in tenth.

Despite losing his power-steering for part of the race, Matt Neal finished seventh overall. This was his 15th win in the Michelin Cup for Independents, which he has now won outright.

'I hope to continue to rack up more points for Nissan, to push hard, give 110 per cent and hopefully get on the podium again,' he said.