Quotes from the opening qualifying session of the 2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season
Chris Smiley: “We had a good tyre call to put the slicks on in the first part of qualifying. We had no hybrid whatsoever at any part of the session and not having it around here makes it really hard to make any progress so we knew for the second (top 12) session that it would be tough.
“We’ve ended up 12th on the grid which is fine and we are right inside where we need to be for the reverse grid in race three which is great. A big thanks to the team for helping us put on a solid first qualifying day in the BTCC.”
Chris will line up on the grid for race 1 tomorrow in P12. Photography: JEP
Scott Sumpton: “It was overall a really good day. I learnt lots and that has to be the main thing. With this being my first day in the BTCC it was good to experience the conditions and try out a few different things.
“Unfortunately, it didn’t work out in our favour with the wet tyres but again, it’s a learning year and today I’ve learnt how the car handles in those conditions and that slicks would have been the better option.
“15th isn’t bad for my first qualifying so I can be really happy with that and hold my head high that I and the team did a good job.
“Tomorrow I’ll be getting my head down and elbows out to give it my best shot!”
Scott will line up for his BTCC debut in P15 after a strong showing.
Peter Jones (Managing Director): “Overall, I’m delighted with today and how the team have performed. We’ve turned up to our first British Touring Car Championship meeting and held our own.
“To come away with both cars starting inside the points is brilliant and is a testament to all of the hard work that Ben (Taylor) and his team have put in over the winter. Let’s see what tomorrow brings!”