Both Honda Racing Team cars to be repaired for race three

Honda Racing Team say both Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden’s Civic Type-Rs will be fixed in time for the final race at Snetterton after their clash in the second encounter.

Both cars fell victim to the midfield concertina effect on a chaotic first lap, with the contact between the pair breaking Shedden’s rear subframe and causing front-end damage to Neal’s car which would later lead to his retirement.

Technical director Barry Plowman said both cars will be fixed in time for the last race just before 5pm, and explained the circumstances of the accident to TouringCarTimes.

“Most people braked early, Matt got pushed from behind and that sent him into Flash unfortunately. That was the end of Flash’s races and set the rot into Matt’s race as well,” said Plowman.

“They will both be out for the third race. It’s the nature of the circuit here, we see a similar sort of thing every year. You arrive there, tyres aren’t up to temperature and then you get the bang, bang, bang…

“I think part of the problem is with the fastest lap setting the grid position, and you can find yourself a little bit further down the grid in the second race. There are lots of people with lots to prove and they all want to have a go at the front runners.”