Thruxton 2: Muller takes double

The Frenchman, who last completed a double victory at Thruxton for Vauxhall in 2000, took the lead from Neal's Honda on lap seven and then simply settled in for a relatively easy win.

Neal returned to the pits and changed tyres but was completely out of the picture after his puncture, a shame since he looked capable of fighting for victory up until that point.

Neal's Honda team-mate chased Muller home for second but simply couldn't find the speed in the Civic Type-R to challenge the Frenchman properly.

Paul O'Neill took his fourth consecutive podium spot in third ahead of an excellent Anthony Reid. The MG driver fought his way up the field after retiring in the first race. Reigning champion James Thompson was a quiet fifth ahead of Warren Hughes's MG - another to have fought his way through the pack.

Responding to suggestions that the opposition had given him an easier time in the second race Muller said: "They tried for sure! But the car went very well in both races. The balance wasn't quite right in the first race but it was better in this one. Even with the 60kg of balance in the second race we were still quickest so I have to say I enjoyed it very much!"

Yvan Muller, Vauxhall Astra
Alan Morrison, Honda Civic Type-R
Paul O'Neill, Vauxhall Astra
Anthony Reid, MG ZS
James Thompson, Vauxhall Astra
Warren Hughes, MG ZS