West Surrey Racing's new task: Dick Bennetts interview

Earlier today Autosport spoke to WSR principal Dick Bennetts, prior to the first of today's two races.

Q. In the four sessions so far, you've been quickest and second quickest in the two warm-ups, and you've scored pole, second and third across the two qualifying sessions. Is that where you thought you'd be?
DB: We knew it was going to be tough, but we're encouraged - starting with an all-new Accord, we're very pleased to be up at the sharp end.

Q. Is there more to come?
DB: We certainly hope that there's more to come - being an all-new car, the development programme starts here.

Q. How do you see your prospects for today's races?
DB: It won't be easy - we had some problems on Friday, so we couldn't get any race runs in. It means we're going to have to take some calculated risks on set-up, as opposed to Brands Hatch, where we've done some race runs - we'll have to wait and see.

Q. Does this mean you're going to be up there, challenging for the championship this season?
DB: I don't know about the championship - we're out there to win races, and to me, if you're winning races then the championship just falls into place. But yes, considering it's a new car and new operation, we're very pleased to be up there. Being a new car, we've got to look at the reliability side - but at least we're in with a chance.

Q. Peter Kox was quickest in Sunday's warm-up, third fastest in the Feature qualifying, then tenth in the One-Shot Showdown - what happened?
DB: Well, when he got to the pit at the end of his run, he put his hand up and admitted he'd got it wrong. That's very good, that he feels he can be honest - it saves you wasting time trying to find something wrong on the car. But then he was second quickest in this morning's warm-up, so he's proved that he can do it.