Neal planned to slow the field

Matt Neal had told Vauxhall guests before race three that he planned to run slowly at the front to give Fabrizio Giovanardi the best chance of winning the championship.

“I’m at the front, Andy’s at the back, with Fabrizio Giovanardi in the middle…so you might see a rather slow Vectra at the front and a lot of bent panels inbetween.”

Team tactics are not against the rules in the BTCC – and so no punishment is expected.

Although the Airwaves BMW team were incensed after the race as the potential for a great result for the team was removed because of this.

Rob Collard, who retired on the first lap said:
“I just feel so, so sorry for the team for what happened in the last race. All the boys in the garage worked hard to give us a car that was capable of winning and for it to finish in that way was bitterly disappointing for everyone.”

Matt was more reflective about the championship season:
“I’m pleased that we have had a better weekend than the last couple of rounds, but today has been all about the team and taking titles. It’s great for Colin and sad for Fabrizio, but we certainly went down fighting. The car has been very good this weekend and it was nice to finish on a higher note.”

The plan didn’t work out for Vauxhall regardless – although Jason Plato initially lost ground, the raw pace of the Chevrolet saw him able to retake the positions lost and eventually take a record equalling third win in a day.

Ironically, the only other victim of the first lap carnage was VX Racing’s Andrew Jordan – who had to retire and park his car on the indy circuit bend.

Vauxhall still celebrated taking the teams and constructors titles in their final season.