Free Practice 1/2 + Qualifying

[Chris05]

The place to discuss the above :)

Only a few minutes to go, I'm excited!!

[fiesta_sav]

chilton will be in the top 10

i think possibly plato, matt jackson or one of the 4 bmw from airwaves or team rac will be at front.

vauxhall :confused:

[Chris05]

I think the VXs will come back with a-vengeance here. I can see all 3 qualifying in the top 10, and Matt Neal will be fastest, not pole, but fastest of the 3 anyway.

But come on TURKS!!!

[Chris05]

what's the hold up anyway?

[fiesta_sav]

red flag from previous qualifying from formula renualt

[fiesta_sav]

chilton 4th a min

vauxhalls are going strong

[mbailey06]

Jonny Adam looking very quick at the moment.

[fiesta_sav]

both team aon focuses in top 10 at min

come on !!!!

[Chris05]

very good pace from Chilton

[mbailey06]

I was just looking at the times when the touring cars were last on the GP circuit back in 2005, and it seems a low 1.33 is a very quick time (having said that, that was 4 years ago so it could have improved since then maybe).

[Chris05]

O'Neill creeping up the field :D

[mbailey06]

Turkington up to 7th - thats more like it.

[Chris05]

If this is anything to go by, which it probably isn't mind you, Turks and Gio have some work to do to catch Plato

[mbailey06]

Jelley up to 9th and Reid up to 11th - team RAC are making a move.

[mbailey06]

If this is anything to go by, which it probably isn't mind you, Turks and Gio have some work to do to catch Plato

Yes but the good news for Gio is that Neal is on Plato's pace and can take points out of him, which might end his challenge possibly (although this is only practice).

[Chris05]

Yes but the good news for Gio is that Neal is on Plato's pace and can take points out of him, which might end his challenge possibly (although this is only practice).

Was thinking that myself.. Maybe a tussle between the 2 might cause problems

[mbailey06]

Turkington slowly nearing the top pace, and Shedden moves into the top 10 in the SEAT.

[Chris05]

Dynamics seem to be struggling. Do we think they'll be running the Civic next year?

[mbailey06]

Gio slipping down to 13th and showing no signs of improving as of yet (though I'm sure that will change just as this post goes through:p )

[mbailey06]

Dynamics seem to be struggling. Do we think they'll be running the Civic next year?

I'm fairly sure that they will stick it out for next year before the rule changes in 2011.

[mbailey06]

Reid definitely looking the most competitive I've seen since he returned to the championship, consolidating his place in the top 10.

[Chris05]

I'm fairly sure that they will stick it out for next year before the rule changes in 2011.

I suppose if Neal returns, he'll be able to get it back up the front. I wonder if they'll try and secure Thompson for the whole season too

[Chris05]

Reid definitely looking the most competitive I've seen since he returned to the championship, consolidating his place in the top 10.

up to 7th.. Looking good

[mbailey06]

I suppose if Neal returns, he'll be able to get it back up the front. I wonder if they'll try and secure Thompson for the whole season too

Reading Autosport a couple of weeks ago, I think Steve Neal wanted Matt back at Dynamics, partnering Herbert, because I think with the gradual progress and stability with Lada, I'd think Thommo will stay in the WTCC, but I could be wrong on all counts ;) .

[mbailey06]

Very close first session, a second covering the first 14. Neal and Plato look very quick, Chilton a surprise, Gio looking like he has work to do and Turks looking like he has enough pace in the car for what he needs.

[Editor1]

As ever, guys, you can read what's happening out there with our reports on the homepage (once we've dug the drivers out of debriefs/hidey holes and etc)!

Cheers

Ed1

[mbailey06]

Free practice 2 under way and straight away Tom Chilton has set the fastest time of the weekend so far.

[mbailey06]

Chilton top by 6 tenths and Onslow-Cole up to 5th! These Fords are really starting to fly.

[Chris05]

just logged in and WOW, Chilton 1st, O'Neill 2nd!? :eek: :D

[mbailey06]

O'Neill goes 2nd.

[mbailey06]

just logged in and WOW, Chilton 1st, O'Neill 2nd!? :eek: :D

Hi Chris, wondered where you'd got too :p . Its a very surprising front order isn't it?

[Chris05]

Hi Chris, wondered where you'd got too :p . Its a very surprising front order isn't it?

LOL yeh got held up cleaning the kitchen... :(

the 3 title contenders are a lot closer this session which is very good to see. Roll on qualifying. I hope that Chilton and O'Neill can repeat this performance. It's always fun to see the underdogs doing well eh.

[mbailey06]

the 3 title contenders are a lot closer this session which is very good to see.

True, but Plato still has 4 tenths on Gio and Turks, so is still a bit quicker.

[mbailey06]

Adam pops up into 3rd.

[mbailey06]

Also I wonder if something has happened to Giovanardi as he has only done 3 laps and has not registered as being in the pitlane, having not set a time for the last 15 minutes.

[Chris05]

True, but Plato still has 4 tenths on Gio and Turks, so is still a bit quicker.

Plato is slightly lighter though and Gio has only done 3 laps.. Neal not quite as fast this session?

[mbailey06]

Jelley moves up to 9th - session overall nowhere near as tight as FP1.

[mbailey06]

Onslow-Cole up to 6th - the Fords have genuine pace this weekend for sure.

[mbailey06]

I know its not as significant but I am genuinely impressed by the improving pace of Matt Hamilton, he may be only 18th, but he is only 2.5 seconds of the pace in only his second competitive event in an ancient car - I think thats not bad.

[scott_240192]

wow ehtier i am seeing things or that is correct the focus is fastest

[mbailey06]

wow ehtier i am seeing things or that is correct the focus is fastest

It is correct, its not only fastest, but 6th fastest as well.

[Chris05]

wow ehtier i am seeing things or that is correct the focus is fastest

I know. I shook my computer a few times to see if it's playing up lol.

4 different makes of car in the top 4 can't be bad, 1 of which is very old..

[mbailey06]

Well I'm off now - but will be back for qualifying.

[scott_240192]

I know. I shook my computer a few times to see if it's playing up lol.

4 different makes of car in the top 4 can't be bad, 1 of which is very old..

i shut down my internet and restarted the laptop was ready to send tsl an email saying there timing screen was broke :L but well done chilton and owy but i like were the number 12 bmw is sitting and whats with the pink on platos bonnet

[scott_240192]

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs229.snc1/7620_144021381545_529246545_2737888_2075892_n.jpg

one of the best pics of the btcc 2009 season

[Editor1]

Guys, as before, plenty to chat about - just see the homepage!

Cheers

Ed1

[Chris05]

Slightly concerned at Chiltons statement.. The car performs for one lap only? I hope he can get it right in qualifying. Race pace is usually slightly slower anyway.

If the grid looks anything like the second practice session, I expect Adam and Turks to both get good starts, and this should set Colins weekend up perfectly. Fingers crossed.

[mbailey06]

Qualifying is now under way.

[mbailey06]

Turkington sets the first quick time in the low 1.34s.

[mbailey06]

Plato shoots to the top of the times.

[mbailey06]

As I say that Chilton sets a stonking time to go top!

[craig adams]

Chilton already quicker that practice 2 (1.33.503) with a 1.33.159, thats over 3 tenths quicker than Plato! :)

[craig adams]

Everyone is out apart from Neal, I imagine they are still working on his engine problems from practice 2.

[fiesta_sav]

come on chilton

team aon team aon team aon

[mbailey06]

Not as significant but Matt Hamilton in the ancient Civic has just gone quicker than Pinkney, only 1.8 seconds off the pace - quite impressive.

[craig adams]

Car 6 (Onslow Cole) failed ride height so will lose his times up to now.

[lukeozade0405]

Where do you see the live timing screen, asap please:D

[craig adams]

Matt Neal takes to the track with just over 15 minutes left.

[craig adams]

www.tsl-timing.com and then click on "major series" at the top "btcc and support races on the left" then click on the brands gp track and click "live timing"

also there's a link on this site somewhere I think?

[mbailey06]

Where do you see the live timing screen, asap please:D

Go to tsl-timing.com and follow the various links for BTCC and you should find it.

[lukeozade0405]

Go to tsl-timing.com and follow the various links for BTCC and you should find it.

cheers got it.

[mbailey06]

Adam up to 5th.

[mbailey06]

Plato closes to within milliseconds of Chilton's time. Come on Tom hold on!

[craig adams]

Plato catching chilton 1.33.180 now verses 1.33.159

and onslow-cole fails ride height again! Not good for him! :(

[mbailey06]

Jordan up to 4th - Turks slipping down the times - now 8th.

[lukeozade0405]

Come on Plato so close to getting pole. Well done Tom atm though.

[craig adams]

Neal up to 6th with his first flying lap, puts Turkington down to 9th with Giovanardi currently 3rd.

Also giovanardi has closed right up so

Chilton 1.33.159
Plato 1.33.180
Giovanardi 1.33.183

edit - Neal now up to 4th on his next flyer

[mabratley]

its gone in gios favor with him neal and jordan all ahead of turkington and plato stuck behind the ford

:D :D :D Come VXRacing :D :D :D

YYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! !1:D

[Reidy_fan]

what have mountune done to chiltons engine, the man is flying. reckon the focus could be one to beat next year

[fiesta_sav]

Chiltons On Pole

Yyyyyyeeeeeeessssss

Come On !!!!!!!

[mbailey06]

Amazing - he set the time right at the beginning and proved to be the winning time at the end, such a shame for Onslow-Cole as he should have been up there too.

[lukeozade0405]

Chiltons On Pole

Yyyyyyeeeeeeessssss

Come On !!!!!!!

Until the 1st corner lol

[Rapid Fit Mondeo]

Get in there Tom:D :D

[craig adams]

Great for Chilton, not so good for Onslow Cole. I wonder whether there is a rule if you fail ride height twice you are removed from the session? I imagine he will be allowed to start from the back of the grid though.

Bad qualifying for Turkington, great for Giovanardi, he has his two team-mates as tail-gunners!

I'm also wondering whether Reid's car is Jelleys old one thats been repaired? I would of thought he'd be faster now he's had time in the car.

edit - is this the worse qualifying session for bmws all year?

[matt89]

Finally after a season wait the Ford is at the top officially. Not by reverse grid.:)

[Relaxin Mood]

Can anyone give me the Grid please. it wouldn't let me watch the live timing screen and looks like i missed the times...

Thanks

[craig adams]

click here dude

http://www.btcc.net/html/raceresults_detail.php?race_id=65&season_id=52

[Relaxin Mood]

Thanks, My live timing feed as come back now :mad:

[psq43]

That is a lot of the Generals men that Turkington has to fight through, or at least stay out of trouble with!

I also see no RAC cars between Turkington and the GM machines

How times change.

[craig adams]

If turkington does not have a good race 1 then I can see it being a 3 way battle with points very similar going into race 3.

The bmws seems to be really struggling though!

[psq43]

Lets just hypothosise.

Say Gio and Plato finish 1 place LOWER than Qualifying, and Turkington finishes, say TWO places Higher with no one getting bonus points...

points into R2

CT -252
FG -244
JP -231

1st - 2nd = 8 points
1st - 3rd = 21 points
2nd - 3rd = 13 points

and with a maximum of 34 still to play for....


Now now, this is JUST a bit of FUN, yes I know anything can happen.....

[psq43]

The bmws seems to be really struggling though!

mainly the orange ones!

[scott_240192]

turkington has lost it 3 vxr's to past he had it and Airwaves will not make it easy or even let him past wave good bye to that championship turkington

[soperfan]

Well done team Aon and Tom Chilton. Well deserved after a sometimes trying year. Pity about TOC though, he could come good if he keeps his nose clean in the races though.

Gonna be tough for Chilton in the races though, he's admited they went for a qualifying set up, I hope they can find a race set up for the car or Chilton is going to be some traffic jam!

Druids race 1 is going to be something!

[Mondeo2]

Plato catching chilton 1.33.180 now verses 1.33.159

and onslow-cole fails ride height again! Not good for him! :(

Was this down to a damaged front splitter, I haven't gone through my photos yet but I'm sure I saw it looking a bit second hand during the course of the day.
Giovanardi and Jordan were right up on two wheels almost Russ Swift style through Westfield sadly I wasn't quick enough to get a shot.:( They were both very spectacular to watch though. Qualifying definitely needs to be broadcast even if it's only highlights on race day.

[Eunos]

Dissapointed with Qualy, Well done to the Chilt Burger, Even though im not afan and listening to him talk is like Shoving Needles in your ear :p

10th for the Turkman :( , I wont abandon hope yet...

[LeeCS]

Great result for Chilton and Aon!! should be a very intresting start to the race in the morning!
It doesnt look good for Turk. No doubt Jordan and/or Neal will hold the line while Gio sprints ahead..

does anybody know what the pink was all about on the RML bonnets? i didnt see any writing/sponsor on there so not quite sure what thats all about? :confused:

[Mondeo2]

Great result for Chilton and Aon!! should be a very intresting start to the race in the morning!
It doesnt look good for Turk. No doubt Jordan and/or Neal will hold the line while Gio sprints ahead..

does anybody know what the pink was all about on the RML bonnets? i didnt see any writing/sponsor on there so not quite sure what thats all about? :confused:

Possibly something to do with the Breast Cancer charity. We're all supposed to be wearing something pink tomorrow. I may well make a donation for a few pink HiQ hats, as to wearing one is a different matter.:D

We were out on the GP loop for 2nd practice and qualifying so wasn't sure if they had forgotten to change the leader boards at Brands which were showing Chilton as fastest time in 2nd practice. Didn't get any confirmation of anything until we got home. Well done Tom, Tom and Aon. Let's hope they can make something of it in the races tomorrow.:D

[kezbabybabe]

There will also be pink tyres. :p

Hmm quali was a little back to front for me today. Really wanted Gio to beach it again the gravel but it wasn't to be.

Fair play to Chilton for putting it on pole. Though a high shame about TOC, spoke to him earlier in the day and he seemed quite positive about the car.

[scurcic5]

Dissapointed with Qualy, Well done to the Chilt Burger, Even though im not afan and listening to him talk is like Shoving Needles in your ear :p



:D

Full of himself, isn't he? Fair play to him, wasn't expecting a Focus up top.

Grid looks good for setting up an exciting end to the championship. What a price a Chevy 1-2 and Jackson playing rear gunner for race 2 to hand Plato his second win of the day?

What a setup that would be for race 3, especially if Turkington's nerve waivers :)