Jason Plato wins just ahead of rival Giovanardi

Jason Plato has won the first race of the HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship at Knockhill in Scotland. Rival Giovanardi finished a close second. Jason Plato overtook pole-sitter and team-mate Turner off the start to lead every lap of the first race. Turner had a poor race falling off track meaning he had to fight back through the field. He then put an end to his race on lap 14 after he clashed with Tom Chilton.

Giovanardi brought his Vauxhall home in second place just ahead of his team-mate Tom Onslow-Cole who had qualified 7th and 4th respectively. Tom Chilton had qualified ahead of both however a 6 place penalty for Chilton meant Giovanardi started 6th while Onslow-Cole started 3rd.

Tom Onslow-Cole and Turner rubbed panels off the start line forcing Turner off track which resulted in Turner losing a lot of places. Turner did fight back hard but Turner was out after going on the inside of Chilton that ended his race. Onslow-Cole continued and even put pressure on Plato for the lead.

Gordon Shedden was disappointed to only qualify 10th yesterday, however his race pace was much improved and he fought hard to finish 4th.

Colin Turkington finished the race 5th leading three BMW’s with Mat Jackson and Rob Collard finishing 6th and 7th respectively. Adam Jones finished 8th with Andrew Jordan placing his John Guest Racing Integra 9th. The top 10 was completed by Tom Chilton.

Martyn Bell went off on the first lap straight into the wall. The safety car had to come out on lap 2 bunching up the pack, and eradicating over a two second lead that Plato had built up at the front. Stockton was involved in the accident and was forced into the pits.

Matt Neal suffered a puncture which prevented his Vauxhall turning in, putting him to the back of the grid and forcing a pit stop.

Jason Hughes and Michael Doyle both went out of the race on lap 5. This resulted in a second safety car stint allowing Onslow-Cole to keep the pressure on Plato for the lead.