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Nissan Leads the way in BTCC testing

31 July 1999

Thruxton produced the hottest test session of the season so far as teams 
prepared for this weekend’s rounds 17 and 18 of the Auto Trader 
British Touring Car Championship. With track temperatures around the 
high-speed Hampshire circuit nearing 50°C, it was Nissan’s 
series leader Laurent Aiello who emerged atop the time sheets at the 
end of the day. The Frenchman proved a shade quicker than Primera team 
mate David Leslie, who is also his closest rival for the 1999 drivers’ 
crown.


Having set the fastest time both yesterday and today, Aiello looks well 
set to reassert his authority on the championship race after a run of 
bad luck saw his lead drastically cut at Snetterton. "It has been 
a very successful two days of testing," he said. "The car is 
handling very well and the new tyres developed by Michelin for this 
particular meeting are superb. It looks very promising for the weekend, 
but I am aware that testing counts for nothing – I need to get 
back on the podium on Sunday and hopefully win another race."


Behind the two Nissans, a pair of Volvos narrowly outpaced a pair of 
Hondas. Reigning champion Rickard Rydell and Vincent Radermecker demonstrated 
the undoubted speed of the Volvo S40 around the fast, sweeping curves of 
Thruxton and are sure to be among the front runners throughout the weekend. 
James Thompson, third in the championship, will be looking to close the gap 
to the leaders and Honda team mate Peter Kox, buoyed by his first ever BTCC 
victory last time out, will be gunning for more success. 


After two qualifying sessions tomorrow (Saturday) rounds 17 & 18 of the 
BTCC will take place at Thruxton on Sunday (Aug 1). Both races will be covered 
live on Sunday Grandstand on BBC2.


TOP TEN TIMES FROM THRUXTON CIRCUIT

1. Laurent Aiello (Fra) Nissan Primera 1:15.039s 113.02mph

2. David Leslie (GB) Nissan Primera 1:15.183s

3. Vincent Radermecker (Bel) Volvo S40 1:15.496s

4. Rickard Rydell (Swe) Volvo S40 1:16.026s

5. James Thompson (GB) Honda Accord 1:16.148s

6. Peter Kox (Hol) Honda Accord 1:16.241s

7. Matt Neal (GB)* Nissan Primera 1:16.439s

8. Jason Plato (GB) Renault Laguna 1:16.493s

9. Alain Menu (Swi) Ford Mondeo 1:16.552s

10. J-C Boullion (Fra) Renault Laguna 1:16.699s