Matt Neal looking to bounce back on landmark race day

Matt Neal says he is keen to bounce back from the disappointment of Brands Hatch on a landmark race day at Oulton Park as the three-time champion gets set to contest his 700th BTCC race.

Like his fellow Honda drivers, Neal was in the wars last time out in sweltering conditions in Kent, picking up just a single sixth place finish from the three races.

Having lapped inside the top ten in practice, Neal then produced his strongest qualifying performance of the season to date to put his Civic Type R fourth on the grid to cap an impressive display for the Honda teams – with five cars inside the top ten.

“I’m over the moon with the second row and have Dan just behind me and four Hondas in the top six,” he said. “I always wonder what might have been and and my car was a bit lively to start with so I could have gone quicker, but the guys ahead have put some great laps in. I think the races will be interesting and if it’s dry then I think we’ll have a strong car, although it will be a bit more of a lottery if it rains.

“Brands GP last time out was a tough weekend for us and we’re looking to bounce back with some good points on the board tomorrow. The rear-wheel drive cars will have an advantage at the start as they always do and the Ford will be quick in a straight line, but I think we’ll be good across a race distance. We need to make sure we look after the hardware though as we have a fast turnaround for Knockhill, so need to be careful.”

Neal’s landmark 700th start will come in Sunday’s second race, although he admitted that he had been unaware he was reaching the milestone.

“I didn’t think I’d do seven or 70 races when I started, never mind 700!” he said. “It’s a bit surreal and I wasn’t aware until someone told me last week. I’m still here, still rocking and loving it – so it’s time to party tomorrow!