Penalties for Smith and Depper after first race

Aron Smith and Martin Depper have both been penalised by the stewards following incidents in the first race of the season at Brands Hatch.

Team BMR’s Smith has been given a five-place grid penalty for the second race of the day, following a clash with Mat Jackson.

And Eurotech Racing’s Depper has been excluded from 23rd place after an incident with United Autosports’ James Cole.

Smith made a move on Motorbase Performance man Jackson at Clearways on lap three, causing the Ford Focus to take a trip through the gravel, and drop from sixth to 16th.

Jackson recovered one position to 15th at the flag, while Smith was able to finish seventh in his Volkswagen CC.

Honda Civic driver Depper attempted a pass on Cole’s Toyota Avensis at Druids on lap 15, causing the pair to spin. Cole had a trip across the infield and retired.

Smith’s penalty has been appealed by Motorbase Performance, believing it isn’t strong enough, which means he will start from seventh on the grid for race two until the appeal’s heard, and may be subject to a further penalty should the appeal fail.