Aiello sets the pace in testing at Brands Hatch

Laurent Aiello had the best day at the Kent venue's Indy circuit, topping the timesheets ahead of his Nissan team-mate, David Leslie. In addition, Aiello is 0.2s quicker than the best of the rest.

Aiello has more reason than most to hope for victory - the Nissan Primera driver won both races at Thruxton, two weeks ago, and will scoop a massive £250,000 payout if he repeats that performance on Sunday.

'For sure I would like to win the money,' confirmed the French driver.

'But this is such a short, demanding circuit and the whole grid is separated by less than a second, so it is going to be extremely difficult win one race, let alone two this weekend.'

Jason Plato was third fastest, lapping the tight, twisty circuit in his Renault Laguna just 0.005s slower than Leslie. Fourth was James Thompson; the Honda Accord driver shares the championship lead with Aiello.

Volvo were somewhat off the pace, suffering from 'little niggles' during their testing. Vincent Radermecker was eighth, despite damaging his left front suspension in the morning with a minor 'off', with reigning champion Rickard Rydell outside the top ten.

However, the team are confident that their performance doesn't reflect their potential.

One thing that Volvo aren't keen on is the reprofiled Graham Hill Bend, saying that the new, sharper profile doesn't suit its car.

A few other drivers also feel the new corner isn't a good move, since it breaks up the 'flow' of the circuit from Druids through to Surtees.

Top Ten times from Brands Hatch Indy Circuit