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Matt Neal: “We have all the attributes to do well”

Matt Neal says he expects a tough start to the Rockingham weekend but believes that Honda can come away from the latest rounds of the BTCC season with more solid results to its name.

Neal goes into the seventh round of the season boosted by his victory in the special Diamond Double race at Snetterton last time out, a result that helped to move him up to third in the championship standings.

That means additional success ballast on his Civic Type-R going into the weekend and whilst the triple champion admitted that would make the start of the weekend difficult, he expressed confidence that the FK8 version of the car would come good on track.

“It was a truly special feeling to make BTCC history at Snetterton and it’s a pleasure to reward the team for all of the hard work they have put in this year to make the new Civic Type-R such a competitive package,” he said. “While we’re all certainly still buzzing and savouring the moment, we are nonetheless focused on the rounds ahead, beginning with Rockingham, a track I had the honour of claiming victory at on the BTCC’s inaugural visit back in 2003.

“It’ll be tough to replicate that feat considering the success ballast I’ll be carrying but we have tested there this year and the Honda has all the attributes needed to perform well at Rockingham. If we enjoy a clean weekend, we’ll be in good shape overall.”

Team-mate Dan Cammish also impressed at Snetterton despite a disappointing final race of the weekend and he expressed confidence of pushing to add to his own podium tally.

“We’re definitely coming to Rockingham on a roll after such a big haul of points at Snetterton,” he said. “It’s great to see the team riding high in all of the championships at the moment and we’re certainly seeing the benefit of everyone’s hard work this year.

“As for myself, I was very pleased to be back on the podium again and it just motivates me further to reach that elusive top step, which I feel is getting closer with every round. Rockingham suites the Civic Type-R with its balanced chassis and strong engine, so I believe there is great opportunity to collect another set of positive results.”