Photo: PSP Images

“Well chuffed” Matt Neal aims to break 2018 duck

Matt Neal said he is now seeking to secure a first win with the new Honda Civic Type-R FK8 after storming to pole position at Thruxton.

The Team Dynamics man smashed the qualifying lap record as he topped the times for the second successive season at the high-speed Hampshire circuit, beating Colin Turkington to pole by two-tenths of a second.

It marked the first pole for the new Civic, with the former champion now seeking to try and challenge for a first win of the campaign.

Dan Cammish picked up the first podium for the FK8 last time out at Donington Park.

“I was hanging everything out there!” he admitted. “I honestly didn’t think we had that kind of pace in the car, but it just shows that this new Civic Type R is really up for it. I’m well-chuffed.

“Things haven’t gone our way so far this year, but we always remain hopeful. We did a good race simulation this morning, and the car was really kind to the tyres. The trouble, obviously, is I’ve got Colin [Turkington] alongside me with his fast-starting rear-wheel drive BMW, but it would be nice to break our 2018 duck tomorrow…”