Ups and downs for Honda Racing Team at Brands

Honda Racing Team found them selves with a tough challenge after punctures for both Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden in the first BTCC races at Brands Hatch last weekend.
“It was a disappointing start to the weekend with the tyre problem,” said Shedden.

The punctures saw both Honda drivers finishing outside the points in the first race while main rival Jason Plato won both the first and second race. But a hard fight up through the field in the second race saw Neal and Shedden securing a one-two in the third race, keeping the points lead within the team.

There were positives for the Honda Racing Team however, provisionally securing both the manufacturers’ and teams’ titles assuming no penalties for engine changes above their two engines per car limit are picked up at Silverstone and RML have a very strong weekend and Honda have a bad one.

“Winning these titles was our primary focus this season and we knew a good weekend at Brands Hatch would make it possible. It is fantastic to achieve it. I had a puncture in the opening race and things weren’t looking good but to top it off with a one-two is such a great feeling,” said Neal.

Shedden shares second place in the championship with Plato ahead of the final race weekend of the season at Silverstone but is nonetheless confident.

“We got some salvation by securing the two trophies [at Brands]. This is the hardest championship to win in the UK and the Honda Civic has lifted the major titles – you can’t get a better endorsement than that. The drivers’ championship is going to be a battle between the five guys still in with a chance but Matt and I know we have a race-winning car underneath us. Let’s hope that we can add to the collection of silverware at Silverstone,” said Shedden.