Photo: PSP Images

Tom Ingram tops opening practice at Donington Park

By

Tom Ingram made a flying start to the new British Touring Car Championship season by topping the times in opening practice at Donington Park.

At the wheel of his Hyundai i30, the 2022 champion went two tenths of a second quicker than the qualifying lap record and more than half a second faster his nearest challenger – team-mate Tom Chilton – around the National layout.

Four-time champion Ash Sutton finished second while Adam Morgan made it three EXCLER8 Hyundais inside the top three with an impressive showing on his return to front-wheel-drive machinery.

Dan Cammish and Dan Rowbottom completed the top-six in their Alliance Racing Ford Focus STs.

Completing the top ten was leading Independent Mikey Doble, debutants Charles Rainford and James Dorlin, and Chris Smiley.

The session was the first time that all 24 confirmed cars hit the track at the same time, with Michael Crees getting his maiden run in the EXCELR8 Motorsport Hyundai i30 N.

Free Practice 2 is scheduled to get underway at 12:10.