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BTCC: Oulton Park Qualifying, Leslie Edges Closer in BTCC Title Battle

11 September 1999

It was billed as the BTCC title showdown and the Nissan drivers, separated by 22 points at the start of the day, did not disappoint at Oulton Park this afternoon in the penultimate meeting of the season. David Leslie and Laurent Aiello, gunning for the 1999 Auto Trader British Touring Car Drivers’ Championship, dominated the front row of the grid for both tomorrow’s races and starting side by side will provide a thrilling battle for the title.

David Leslie’s experience came to the fore at the Cheshire circuit, the wily Scot producing two blistering laps to secure his third and fourth pole positions of the campaign. Leslie’s timing was perfect in the first session, leaving just enough time to put in the one flying lap that brought him pole, edging out team mate and championship leader Aiello by the smallest of margins.

Leslie bagged another pole in the One Shot Showdown, mainly courtesy of his starting position, and was grateful for the two bonus points that could prove crucial in the final reckoning. On a drying circuit, the early runners were able to do little else than dry the tarmac for the later starters. Leslie was the last man out and was able to make the most of his advantage.

"My confidence is building all the time," beamed a delighted Leslie. "We have made a tremendous start to this vital weekend and I am determined to finish the job off tomorrow. If I can reproduce the kind of form I have shown today, there is no reason why I can’t close the gap significantly to Laurent and take the title race down to the final meeting at Silverstone next weekend. We have been team mates all season and will continue to work well together, but now it comes down to a straight scrap between the two of us."

Aiello’s championship lead may have been reduced to just 20 points, but few would argue that the talented Frenchman is still on course to claim the BTCC title in his maiden season. Starting alongside his team mate, Aiello knows what he has to do.

"I know that the advantage is still with me. I will be happy to concentrate on my own game tomorrow. I must make sure that I finish both races and score as many points as possible to stay ahead of David. The whole team has been very consistent all weekend and I am looking forward to the challenge."

Rounds 23 and 24 of the Auto Trader BTCC take place at Oulton Park tomorrow (Sun).

AUTO TRADER BTCC QUALIFYING REPORT

Oulton Park Island Circuit – Saturday, 11 September 1999 

Qualifying - BTCC round 23 - One Shot Shootout Weather: drying track

    1.. David Leslie (GB) Nissan Primera 1:26.589sec 98.20mph
    2.. Laurent Aiello (Fra) Nissan Primera 1:26.871s
    3.. James Thompson (GB) Honda Accord 1:28.201s
    4.. Rickard Rydell (Swe) Volvo S40 1:28.888s
    5.. Jason Plato (GB) Renault Laguna 1:30.695s
    6.. Vincent Radermecker (Bel) Volvo S40 1:31.916s
    7.. Peter Kox (Hol) Honda Accord 1:32.634s
    8.. Anthony Reid (GB) Ford Mondeo 1:33.044s
    9.. Matt Neal* (GB) Nissan Primera 1:33.194s
    10.. J-C Boullion (Fra) Renault Laguna 1:33.476s
    11.. Yvan Muller (Fra) Vauxhall Vectra 1:34.047s
    12.. John Cleland (GB) Vauxhall Vectra 1:34.783s
    13.. Will Hoy* (GB) Renault Laguna 1:35.434s
    14.. Mark Blair* (GB) Vauxhall Vectra 1:35.961s
    15.. Alain Menu (Swi) Ford Mondeo 1:40.039s




Qualifying - BTCC round 24 - Feature Race Weather: dry, bright

    1.. David Leslie (GB) Nissan Primera 1min 23.509sec 101.82mph
    2.. Laurent Aiello (Fra) Nissan Primera 1:23.679
    3.. James Thompson (GB) Honda Accord 1:23.936
    4.. Jason Plato (GB) Renault Laguna 1:23.952
    5.. Rickard Rydell (Swe) Volvo S40 1:24.089
    6.. Vincent Radermecker (Bel) Volvo S40 1:24.181
    7.. Peter Kox (Hol) Honda Accord 1:24.243
    8.. J-C Boullion (Fra) Renault Laguna 1:24.322
    9.. Yvan Muller (Fra) Vauxhall Vectra 1:24.443
    10.. Matt Neal* (GB) Nissan Primera 1:24.580
    11.. Anthony Reid (GB) Ford Mondeo 1:24.830
    12.. John Cleland (GB) Vauxhall Vectra 1:24.839
    13.. Alain Menu (Swi) Ford Mondeo 1:24.927
    14.. Will Hoy* (GB) Renault Laguna 1:25.637
    15.. Mark Blair* (GB) Vauxhall Vectra 1:26.068


* Entries registered for the Michelin Cup for Independents

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