Touring: Thompson Sets Stage for BTCC Night Race

17 July 1999

Honda's James Thompson set the fastest time of the day at Snetterton this afternoon in official testing for the inaugural night meeting of the Auto Trader British Touring Car Championship. Thompson, the current in-form driver of the series with two victories and two podiums in the last four races, maintained the pressure on championship leader Laurent Aiello by outpacing the Nissan driver with just minutes of the session remaining.

"I'm very pleased with the progress we have made today," said Thompson. "Snetterton is possibly not one of our best circuits, so it is even more satisfying to be right on the pace. We are looking strong for tomorrow, but so are Nissan and Volvo, so it's all about who can produce the goods when it really matters. Hopefully it will be me."

Aiello, quickest in the morning session, had held top spot for much of the day, but Thompson's quick time at the end of proceedings served as a timely reminder that the BTCC title is far from decided. "It is encouraging to be among the front-runners," said the Frenchman who has won six races already this year. "My aim for the weekend is, as ever, to pick up as many points as possible and try to preserve my lead in the title race."

With the main championship protagonists at the top of the time sheets today, tomorrow's event is guaranteed to be action all the way. Saturday's timetable features qualifying during the afternoon, with racing beginning at 6pm and continuing right through until midnight under the glare of hundreds of high intensity lights.

TOP TEN TIMES FROM SNETTERTON CIRCUIT

1. James Thompson (GB) Honda Accord 1min 08.327s 102.85mph

2. Laurent Aiello (Fra) Nissan Primera 1:08.387s

3. David Leslie (GB) Nissan Primera 1:08.712s

4. Vincent Radermecker (Bel) Volvo S40 1:08.734s

5. Rickard Rydell (Swe) Volvo S40 1:08.823s

6. Peter Kox (Hol) Honda Accord 1:08.947s

7. Jason Plato (GB) Renault Laguna 1:08.999s

8. Matt Neal (GB) Nissan Primera 1:09.055s

9. Yvan Muller (Fra) Vauxhall Vectra 1:09.120s

10. J-C Boullion (Fra) Renault Laguna 1:09.354s

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