Vauxhall tops first major test

Works Vauxhall driver James Thompson, BTCC champion in 2002, was quickest ahead of team-mate and reigning champion Yvan Muller.

Thompson's best time of 1m13.793s, considerably faster than any previous lap record set since new BTCC rules were introduced in 2001. However, Donington has been resurfaced during winter, and that would have given Thompson more grip than usual.

Behind Muller, in third, was the highest-placed Independents Trophy runner, Matt Neal, in his Team Dynamics-run Honda Civic Type R. Fourth was works Honda Civic R driver Tom Chilton, who reckoned he could have equalled Thompson's time had his last run not coincided with the chequered flag.

Privateer Jason Hughes was credited with a fine fifth place after sharing an official West Surrey Racing-run MG with MG regular Colin Turkington.

SEAT made a solid debut in the BTCC with its pair of Toledo Cupras, driven by 2001 champion Jason Plato and SEAT Cupra champion Rob Huff. The pair ended up 14th and 16th in the times but Plato was only 1.5 seconds off Thompson's best time, and claimed he wasn't going as quickly as he could.

Plato said: "This test was to find out about the cars and the first signs are very encouraging. We worked on various set-ups and have found quite a few exciting things. If I'd gone out and pushed as hard as I would on a qualifying lap, then you'd have seen another half second at least come off that time."

The BTCC's first ever gas-powered car, John George's Mardi Gras Motorsport-run Honda Civic Type R, was 18th fastest.