Aiello extends lead following Sprint win

The Nissan driver made the most of an almost perfect start to stay out in front and clear of the heated action behind him.

Leading Rydell (Volvo) into Allard, Aiello pulled steadily clear of a train of traffic led by the Swede as well as James Thompson (Honda), David Leslie (Nissan) and Vincent Radermecker (Volvo).

Within three laps both Aiello and Rydell had pulled away from what was developing into a fierce five way battle for third.

Radermecker made the most out of the confusion to steal track position, with Leslie's challenge being hampered by the close attentions of both James Thompson and Independent driver Matt Neal.

By half distance Neal had forced his way past Thompson, but left a gap open which was fully exploited by the Renault of Jason Plato.

Further back the Fords of Alain Menu and Anhony Reid wrong-footed themselves at Club chicane allowing Touring Car returnee Will Hoy (Renault) to dash around the outside at the exit and up to 10th overall.

All of this was of no consequence however to Laurent Aiello who continued his unchallenged march towards the chequered flag and win number seven.

Rydell hung on to secure second, followed by team-mate Radermecker and Leslie.

Matt Neal added yet another Independent win taking his season's tally to a staggering fourteen wins from seventeen starts after a race long battle with the Renault of Jason Plato.

Former champion Will Hoy also spent most of the race locked in the middle of the action before finishing an impressive tenth overall in only his third time in the car.

With Leslie finishing fourth and James Thompson a distant seventh, Aiello goes into this afternoon's longer feature race in confident form.