Donington pole was the aim, says Shedden

Honda Racing Team’s Gordon Shedden said pole position was always the aim in his ballast-free car at Donington Park.

The reigning champion luck was out at Brands Hatch, but this meant he started this weekend with no success weight, unlike his closest rivals in the championship.

After setting the fastest time in first practice and third in second practice, the Scot propelled his Honda Civic to the top of the timesheets with five minutes to go in qualifying.

Speaking to TouringCarTimes, Shedden said: “I think given the tools at our disposal, with no weight on board, pole definitely had to be the aim.

“I think we will also have a good race car tomorrow. The balance felt good on the longer runs.

“For most of last year I had ballast on board, so I think this is my first pole in the NGTC car. It’s nice to start with a clear road in front of me.”

Looking forward to race day, Shedden said he expected the opposition to come from the usual front-runners, as well as Frank Wrathall’s Dynojet Toyota Avensis.

On his aims for Sunday, he said: “I have got to get to the end and score some strong points, to try and get myself back in this title battle.”