Priaulx blames himself for error

A puncture denied Priaulx a win last year with three laps to go at Silverstone, and he was in the lead of this afternoon's second race at Brands Hatch until he ran wide into the gravel immediately after the race restarted following a safety car period.

Priaulx had started this afternoon's second race from pole, thanks to finishing eighth in the maiden race.

"My start was good and after a couple of laps I had a two-second lead over Alain [Menu]," Priaulx said. "I knew he was likely to be fast, but felt I could win or at least be second. Then came my worst fear - a Safety Car period during which the heavens opened and the track became drenched.

"When the safety car pulled off I was first into Paddock Hill Bend and as I touched the brakes I locked up completely and off I went. Luckily I was able to keep going but that was the end of any hopes of a podium. I was trying too hard and made a mistake by braking too late for the conditions. It was no one else's fault. The others got through and I shouldn't have done it."

The Briton described the first race of the afternoon, where he secured that all-important eighth spot, as one of the best races he has ever driven.

"I made a diabolical start," he added. "However, once I had recovered I realised that it would take just one overtaking manoeuvre for me to assure myself of pole for race two.

"That was not going to be easy as it was Dirk Muller who I had to get by, and I know from past experience he is a tough driver. Also with the wet track there was a lot of spray and so I just had to bide my time. I made sure he knew I was there and then at the end of lap ten I made my move and was by and able to pull away."