Qualifying: Morrison takes first pole
Alan Morrison claimed his debut British Touring Car Championship pole on the series first visit to the infield course at Rockingham. The Ulsterman had been quickest in both free practice sessions, and continued that form in qualifying
Morrison said: "It's been a long while coming, but the car has showed good pace all weekend. To be honest I would have been disappointed if I hadn't taken pole."
Matt Neal made it a Honda one-two, denying championship leader Yvan Muller a front row slot by 0.04s. It was a fantastic qualifying effort from Muller, who's carrying 66 kg more success ballast than the Civic Type-Rs ahead of him.
Paul O'Neill looked set for his first BTCC pole during the first half of the session. But did not improve on his opening flier and slipped to fourth.
Colin Turkington did a great job to end up as the highest MG in fifth, ahead of Tom Chilton in the third Honda. Anthony Reid was pleased to take seventh on a track that isn't suited to the MG, while defending champion, James Thompson, was at a loss to explain his lack of pace in eighth, 0.8s down on pole.
Gavin Pyper set the pace in the Independents, but was not happy to be back in 10th overall. Silverstone double winner Luke Hines continued his strong form with pole in the Production class, 0.6s up on championship rival Michael Bentwood.
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