Quotes from the third qualifying session of the 2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season
Chris Smiley: “It was another step forwards for me, the team and the car. It proves that the first Q1 isn’t a fluke as we’re able to go back out in Q2 and put in a time that is competitive.”
“Looking through the detail post race with the team, there are still areas I can improve upon and more performance we can extract from the car as well.”
“To be on the fringes of the top ten on just our third weekend and have genuine pace is good. It’ll be interesting to see what happens on race day with the weather but I’m open minded about whether it is wet or dry. I’m just hoping it is one or other and consistent throughout the day.”
Chris will start from 11th in race one. Photograph: JEB
Scott Sumpton: “Qualifying went well, although I felt I could have had a little more pace.”
“On wet tyres, you only really have one lap of true pace. As I started to get used to the circuit in the Cupra, I did feel I would’ve bettered my lap time but unfortunately the tyres just didn’t have anymore life to give.”
“I’m hoping for a dry race to take advantage of the three tyre options but, no matter what the conditions, I’m confident we can move forward.”
Scott will line-up 18th after putting in a strong first lap in qualifying. Photograph: JEP