Matt Neal is under no illusions heading into this weekend’s five-way championship finale for the British Touring Car Championship. The title winner of 2005 and 2006 continues to head the standings, albeit now by only five points from reigning Champion Jason Plato and Honda Racing team-mate Gordon Shedden.
After Chevrolet’s Plato briefly seized the championship lead last time out at Brands Hatch, Neal returned to the top of the table by winning in Race 3.
“I’m just carrying on as usual, there’s no specific difference in preparations for this one,” Midlander Neal told GPUpdate.net. “Same as - making sure everything is in place and ready just like any other weekend.”
However, the 44-year-old – who celebrated his second title win at Silverstone five years ago – has moved to dispel previous comments from Plato that the Honda will ‘obliterate’ the rest of the field at the Northamptonshire circuit.
“That's where you would be wrong,” Neal continues. “Honda is allowed the least boost of any turbo car, so straight lines are not our strong point and it will be a tough weekend. The added weight is an extra factor to hurt us but hopefully, without the Brands Hatch heat, the tyres should hold up this time.”
Matt Neal was talking to GPUpdate.net’s Gregory Haines
Twitter: @GregoryHainesF1, @MattNealRacing
See also:
Harvey tips Neal for 2011 title glory
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| Honda Racing Team | |
|---|---|
| 17 Oct '11 | Shedden hails ‘mega’ second place |
| 16 Oct '11 | Neal claims 2011 title as Chilton wins |
| 16 Oct '11 | Shedden boosts title hopes with victory |
| 16 Oct '11 | Neal wins opening race at Silverstone |
| BTCC: Silverstone Circuit 2011 | |
| 15 Oct '11 | Neal storms to pole at Silverstone |
| 15 Oct '11 | Jackson moves ahead in second practice |
| 15 Oct '11 | Chilton tops opening Silverstone practice |
| 14 Oct '11 | Nash: Airwaves won’t succeed in beating us |
| Matt Neal | |
| 14 Oct '11 | Neal preparing for ‘tough’ Silverstone finale |
| 13 Oct '11 | Harvey tips Neal for 2011 title glory |
| 13 Oct '11 | Tim Harvey’s preview to the BTCC shootout |
| 3 Oct '11 | Honda duo now focus on Drivers’ title |
| BTCC | |
| 30 Aug '12 | Calendar issued for 2013 season |
| 17 Aug '12 | Louise Goodman to race Mini at Knockhill |
| 5 Apr '12 | BTCC video: Multiple car pile-up at Brands |
| 19 Mar '12 | BTCC reveals 25-car entry list for 2012 |
| Matt Neal | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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| More Matt Neal photos | |||
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