Ash Sutton: “The car is in an amazing place”

Ash Sutton was quick to heap praise on Alliance Racing and his Ford Focus Titanium after claiming a commanding victory in the British Touring Car Championship Qualifying Race at Brands Hatch.

Starting from fifth on the grid, the four-time champion enjoyed a mighty opening lap to surge into the lead and once out front, he didn’t look back to triumph.

Sutton’s victory – his third in succession if you count the two he claimed at Donington Park – means that he now holds a 25-point lead at the top of the standings heading into tomorrow’s triple-header.

“That was a mega result,” said Sutton. “I got a great start and managed to jump Ricky (Collard) and then it opened up as we went down Paddock Hill Bend as Dan (Cammish) got pushed a little wide while battling Daryl (De Leon).

“I thought about having a go at Tom (Ingram) but thought better of it and then the heavens opened. I’ve had my fair share of bad luck down the years so it was nice to come out of it unscathed and in the lead.

“The car is in an amazing place and I’m really in sync with it currently. I drove every lap like it was a qualifying lap and although the lack of boost really hurt us, we had enough in hand to hang on. We’re certainly looking good heading into tomorrow.”