Tom Ingram claims lights-to-flag victory in BTCC opener

Tom Ingram converted pole position into a comfortable lights-to-flag victory in the opening round of the British Touring Car Championship at Donington Park, claiming victory by more than two seconds ahead of Ash Sutton and Jake Hill.

The Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS driver was wheel-perfect in his Hyundai i30 N as he had to contend with a lengthy safety car period on his way to opening his account for the new season.

Heavy rain had caused delays at the Leicestershire circuit all morning but following a 10-minute warm-up at midday, the BTCC finally took centre stage for a frenetic opening contest in damp conditions.

Ingram held firm as the lights went out with the fast-starting BMWs of Hill and Colin Turkington jumping Sutton, however the reigning champion would find a way back past Turkington on the run up to McLeans.

Further back, Sam Osborne speared off the circuit as the field began its descent down the Craner Curves. His Ford Focus ST slammed into the tyre wall which brought out the safety car for a number of laps.

After a lengthy clear up, Ingram wasted no time in breaking clear of the chasing pack and he was ultimately never challenged. Sutton meanwhile found a way past at Hill in the latter stages and the pair then cruised to second and third respectively.

Down the order Rob Huff was one to watch as he made his way from last place in his Toyota and he had been running as high as 12th before he got caught up in contact between Dan Rowbottom and Mikey Doble at the Old Hairpin.

Four-time champion Turkington enjoyed a relatively untroubled drive to fourth while Ronan Pearson completed the top five. Josh Cook, Aron Taylor-Smith and the charging trio of Adam Morgan, Dan Cammish and Aiden Moffat rounded out the top ten.

Race two is scheduled to begin at 15:50.