Matt Neal focused on Diamond Double success

Matt Neal says he is fully focused on fighting for victory in the special Diamond Double race when the BTCC season resumes at Snetterton this weekend.

The final race at the Norfolk circuit will run to double the length of a regular race – around 60 miles – and will see double championship points handed out.

There will also be a separate qualifying session for the race, which will see all cars running without any success ballast in place.

Neal goes into the Snetterton meeting sitting in third spot in the standings after a solid start to the campaign with the new FK8 Honda Civic Type-R and said he was optimistic of a strong showing given the pace displayed by the car during testing earlier this month.

“It is an honour to play a part in another landmark weekend for the BTCC as a Honda driver,” he said. “It is renowned as one of the top touring car championships in the world for good reason and I am proud to have made a contribution towards its internationally revered reputation over the years.

“Looking ahead to the event itself, while qualifying and race one will certainly be a challenge given the success ballast we’ll be carrying, the recent test demonstrated the Civic Type R is in its element at Snetterton with its blend of high-speed stretches and demanding twists and turns.

“As such, I will be going all-out for victory in race three, where the extra qualifying session and zero ballast puts us in a great position to bag a big chunk of double points to boost both mine and Honda’s title hopes. Bring it on!”