Matt Simpson “over the moon” with qualifying personal best

Matt Simpson was left delighted with his result in qualifying at Brands Hatch after securing the best grid slot of his BTCC career.

On his first weekend running with Team Dynamics, the former Intermarque champion survived the mixed weather conditions that affected qualifying to break into the top ten for the first time – lapping just half a second away from pole.

The Simpson Racing man will now hope to challenge for his best result to date when racing kicks off in more favourable weather conditions today at the Kent circuit.

It would also be the perfect reward for the Dynamics team that had worked hard to repair his damaged car following a hefty accident during the group test attended by a number of teams in Spain.

“I’m over the moon with tenth on the grid,” he said. “We had a hectic winter after changing teams and then the crash in Spain which set us a back a bit. Dynamics had to reshell the car and then we’ve only had limited testing since then at Media Day and at Rockingham. I can’t thank them enough for their work, and the support of my sponsors, as we wouldn’t have been here this weekend without them.

“This is the best I’ve ever gone at Brands Hatch and to be in the top ten is a dream come true as it’s so competitive thios season. Working with Dynamics has really helped as they know the car inside out having built it, and being able to work with Matt and Gordon has also been a real benefit.

“It would be great if I can finish in the top ten as I tend to race better than I qualify, but I’m looking forward to being nearer the front and I’m keen to learn as much as I can from the experience.”