O'Neill thrilled with BTCC return

The two-time race-winner, who is making his series return at the Hampshire circuit after more than a year away, was the star of the session, putting his Tech-Speed-run car on the third row - ahead of the far newer Team Dynamics Civics of James Thompson and Dave Pinkney.

It was also the best qualifying performance from a Tech-Speed car since Michael Bentwood claimed a front row spot at Brands Hatch five years ago.

"Everyone's over the moon," O'Neill told AUTOSPORT. "I can't really put into words how pleased I am for all the guys in the team. They've put in so much hard work and I hope this is the kind of result they wanted.

"When you've got the right team, the right engineer, especially around Thruxton, all I have to do is sit in the thing, keep the throttle open, brake once or twice, and do this. I'm just made up."

O'Neill is aiming for steady points finishes in Sunday's races, to add to the two points team-mate Martyn Bell - who will start 15th - picked up at Brands Hatch.

"Matt Neal's told me the car races much better than it qualifies, so I've got to be aiming for a decent points haul," O'Neill added. "I wouldn't be surprised if Martyn gets in there too. We've just got to keep our noses clean."