Matt Neal fastest in damp first practice at Rockingham

Honda Racing Team’s Matt Neal set the fastest time in first free practice at a cold, overcast and drizzly Rockingham Motor Speedway.

Neal set his best time of 1.34.978 within the first 10 minutes of the session, which was in keeping with most of the field, as there were few improvements throughout.

The triple champion led a Honda 1-2-3, ahead of reigning champion Gordon Shedden, and Eurotech Racing’s Andrew Jordan, with many drivers concentrating on long runs.

Dave Newsham was a rare late improver, popping up to fourth fastest in the final seconds in his Speedworks Motorsport Toyota Avenisis, ahead of stable-mate Frank Wrathall.

The top ten was completed by Will Bratt, Sam Tordoff, Mat Jackson, Jason Plato and Adam Morgan.

Harking back to some of the early season meetings, the mercury only just crept over 10°C, and the track temperature was almost exactly the same.

Of the newcomers, the returning Howard Fuller, driving the Tony Gilham Racing Vauxhall Insignia, set the 17th fastest time, 2.964s off the pace.

Debutant Andy Wilmot, driving the Volkswagen CC vacated by Tom Onslow-Cole, finished in 25th position, 4.830s away from the fastest time.

For his part, Onslow-Cole completed 14 laps in his new Motorbase Performance Ford Focus, on his way to 18th fastest.

Lea Wood was the fastest of the three Jack Sears Trophy runners, finishing in 24th overall in his JWT Performance Vauxhall Vectra.

The session was halted briefly after 13 minutes when Liam Griffin beached his Motorbase Performance Ford Focus at Pif Paf. He was extricated by the marshals and was able to drive back to the pits.

There was also a late spin for Rob Austin Racing’s Bratt at the hairpin, but he recovered and set his best time of the session on his final lap.

The second free practice session gets under way at 12:40 BST.