Brands test: Thompson pips Muller
The works Vauxhall team dominated the final official test before the 2002 British Touring Car Championship begins at Brand Hatch
James Thompson pipped his Astra Coupe team-mate Yvan Muller by just 0.040s on the full Grand Prix circuit, although their running didn't exactly go to plan. Muller suffered two punctures, caused by his airborn approach to the Dingle Dell chicane.
"It has been a very constructive day," said Thompson. "Obviously I was a little concerned about the blow-outs, but I now know why it happened and am confident it won't be a factor at the first round. Overall, though, I'm very pleased with the day's results."
The form of the works cars were backed up by the Egg-backed Triple Eight car of Matt Neal and the surprise of the day, 17-year-old Tom Chilton, who was fourth quickest in his Barwell-run Astra on his first experience of the testing Brands GP circuit. He was just eight-tenths off Thompson's pace but his team-mate, Aaron Slight, suffered a heavy off at the end of the day.
MG's Warren Hughes was best of the rest in a 2001-spec chassis, while Anthony Reid gave the 2002 version a shakedown in the afternoon. Proton looked strong in the hands of David Leslie, who was sixth fastest, and Phil Bennett, who was 10th. The Impians were the fastest cars through the speed traps.
Tim Harvey was eighth fastest in his Vic Lee-run Peugeot 406, while the works Honda Civic of Andy Priaulx was only 11th quickest.
Mark Fullalove continued to set the pace in the Production class, ahead of Edenbridge's Jamie Davies in a BMW.
James Thompson works Vauxhall Astra 1m33.126s
Yvan Muller works Vauxhall Astra 1m33.166s
Matt Neal Egg Vauxhall Astra 1m33.637s
Tom Chilton Barwell Vauxhall Astra 1m34.016s
Warren Hughes MG ZS 1m34.049s
David Leslie Proton Impian 1m34.224s
Aaron Slight Barwell Vauxhall Astra 1m34.450s
Tim Harvey Peugeot 406 1m34.452s
Paul O'Neill Egg Vauxhall Astra 1m34.718s
Phil Bennett Proton Impian 1m34.954s
Andy Priaulx Honda Civic Type-R 1m35.055s
Anthony Reid MG ZS 1m36.685s
Mark Fullalove Peugeot 306 1m38.825s
Jamie Davies BMW 320i 1m39.067s
Tom Boardman BMW 320i 1m39.540s
Mark Thomas Honda Accord 1m40.098s
Alan Blencowe Alfa Romeo 156 1m40.214s
Graham Saunders Alfa Romeo 156 1m40.632s
Spencer Marsh Honda Accord 1m40.647s
Annie Templeton Peugeot 306 1m43.667s
John B&Q Honda Accord 1m52.980s
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