Photo: BTCC Media

Fabrizio Giovanardi wins Brands race one

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Fabrizio Giovanardi started the British Touring Car Championship season 2008 in the best possible way with a win in his Vauxhall Vectra. He took the win ahead of rising star Mat Jackson of BMW Dealer Team UK. Jason Plato headed his team mate Darren Turner in third place, taking the first ever diesel-powered podium finish in the BTCC ever.

Jackson held pole position and took the start in his BMW 320si ahead of Giovanardi’s Vectra. But as light rain came during the race, Giovanardi managed to squeeze past.

Vauxhall-newcomer and double BTCC champion Matt Neal rounded out top five, 7.8 seconds behind his team mate and winner Giovanardi.

Colin Turkington who dominated the practice sessions and started from second place on the grid spun twice in the greasy conditions and lost all contact with the top.

Team Air Cool with Adam Joones took an impressive tenth place in the very recently completed SEAT Léon.