---

BTCC: Champion Rydell takes double pole

1 August 1999

Thruxton specialist Rickard Rydell produced a magnificent qualifying 
performance at the high-speed Hampshire circuit this afternoon. The 
reigning champion secured pole position for both tomorrow’s rounds 
of the Auto Trader British Touring Car Championship, which take place 
in front of BBC TV’s live cameras. The Volvo star’s efforts 
eclipsed those of championship leader Laurent Aiello, whose Nissan had 
set the pace in testing during the week. The Frenchman had to settle for 
a second and a third, as did team mate and nearest rival in the title 

race David Leslie.


Rydell’s Volvo S40 has dominated Thruxton qualifying this season, 
taking all four pole positions on offer, to add to three out of four 
last year. "Yes I like this circuit very much," said the Swede. 
"I knew that we had the speed to take pole because my best testing 
times were done during a race run. We have a good race set-up on the car 
and I hope that it will be enough to keep the Nissans behind me. The pole 
position is on the inside line here and it is very dirty, so it will be 
important for me to get a good start and stay ahead into the complex."


Laurent Aiello has seen his championship lead cut to just 12 points by 
his rivals in recent weeks, most notably by in-form team mate David Leslie. 
Bad luck restricted the Frenchman to a haul of just 6 points from Snetterton 
and he is determined to make up for it this weekend. "The car is not 
as good today as it was in testing," admitted Aiello. "I won both 
races from third last time we were here, so I am still confident for tomorrow."


Leslie meanwhile has his colleague clearly in his sights. "I have 
gained a lot of ground in the last few meetings, which has made up for a 
very poor start to the season," said the Scot. "I am just one 
result away from leading the championship and I aim to use my experience 
this weekend to good effect. I’m pleased to be ahead of Laurent in 
the Feature race, but I made a mistake on my flying lap so I’ll be 
behind him in the Sprint. As always, we will not risk taking each other 
off, so I need to make a good start to get past him early on."


With the top three sharing the leading positions, Honda’s James 
Thompson was the best of the rest and the Accord driver is still firmly 
involved in the title race. "This is not our best circuit," said 
James, "but we will do our best and hang in there and see what happens 
in the races. We are well placed to pick up the pieces should anything 
happen to the leaders."


Rounds 17 & 18 will be broadcast live on BBC Grandstand tomorrow 
afternoon (Sunday).

AUTO TRADER BTCC QUALIFYING REPORT

Thruxton Circuit – Saturday, 31 July 1999 

Qualifying - BTCC round 17 - One Shot Shootout Weather: bright, sunny

    1.. Rickard Rydell (Swe) Volvo S40 1min 15.100sec 112.93mph
    2.. Laurent Aiello (Fra) Nissan Primera 1:15.397
    3.. David Leslie (GB) Nissan Primera 1:15.528
    4.. James Thompson (GB) Honda Accord 1:15.953
    5.. Vincent Radermecker (Bel) Volvo S40 1:15.957
    6.. Matt Neal* (GB) Nissan Primera 1:16.221
    7.. Alain Menu (Swi) Ford Mondeo 1:16.252
    8.. Jason Plato (GB) Renault Laguna 1:16.304
    9.. Peter Kox (Hol) Honda Accord 1:16.492
    10.. Yvan Muller (Fra) Vauxhall Vectra 1:16.642
    11.. Anthony Reid (GB) Ford Mondeo 1:16.946
    12.. J-C Boullion (Fra) Renault Laguna 1:17.125
    13.. Will Hoy* (GB) Renault Laguna 1:17.765
    14.. John Cleland (GB) Vauxhall Vectra 1:17.803
    15.. Lee Brookes* (GB) Honda Accord 1:18.071
    16.. Mark Blair* (GB) Vauxhall Vectra 1:19.322


Qualifying - BTCC round 18 - Feature Race Weather: bright, sunny

    1.. Rickard Rydell (Swe) Volvo S40 1min 15.408sec 112.47mph
    2.. David Leslie (GB) Nissan Primera 1:15.558s
    3.. Laurent Aiello (Fra) Nissan Primera 1:15.570s
    4.. Vincent Radermecker (Bel) Volvo S40 1:15.706s
    5.. Jason Plato (GB) Renault Laguna 1:16.194s
    6.. James Thompson (GB) Honda Accord 1:16.351s
    7.. Alain Menu (Swi) Ford Mondeo 1:16.602s
    8.. Matt Neal* (GB) Nissan Primera 1:16.653s
    9.. Yvan Muller (Fra) Vauxhall Vectra 1:16.842s
    10.. Peter Kox (Hol) Honda Accord 1:16.940s
    11.. Anthony Reid (GB) Ford Mondeo 1:17.052s
    12.. J-C Boullion (Fra) Renault Laguna 1:17.384s
    13.. John Cleland (GB) Vauxhall Vectra 1:17.427s
    14.. Lee Brookes* (GB) Honda Accord 1:17.623s
    15.. Will Hoy* (GB) Renault Laguna 1:17.997s
    16.. Mark Blair* (GB) Vauxhall Vectra no time


* Entries registered for the Michelin Cup for Independents