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Matt Neal: “Gordon Shedden will always be part of Dynamics”

Matt Neal admits that team-mate Gordon Shedden will ‘always be part of Team Dynamics’ after the announcement that the three-time BTCC champion is to leave the series.

After more than ten years as part of the Honda team, Shedden will move on to pastures new for the 2018 campaign and is now expected to take up a drive in the inaugural season of the new FIA World Touring Car Cup.

It brings to an end one of the most successful partnerships in series history, with Neal admitting that the team wished Shedden all the best in his new challenge.

“Gordon is a part of our family and success story,” he said. “He’s got a new and exciting opportunity and we would never hold him back from that. We wish him the very best of success in his new challenge – he’s a phenomenal competitor and he’s certainly talented enough!

“One thing is for sure – despite ‘Flash’ racing elsewhere this season, he’ll always remain part of our Dynamics family and part of our team.”

Shedden leaves the series having taken 48 wins and 124 podiums from 345 race in the premier class, with only twelve of those races coming in something other than a Honda.

“I would like to thank Gordon for the key role he has played in Honda’s BTCC successes over the past decade,” Honda UK managing director David Hodgetts said. “He has made a tremendous contribution to the team, not only winning three Drivers’ titles but also helping us to secure five Manufacturers’ crowns and six Teams’ trophies, which is an outstanding accomplishment by any measure.

“Indeed, his 48 career victories place him fourth on the all-time list – and we are immensely proud that he achieved every single one of them in Honda cars. I wish Gordon all the best in his future career.”