Muller aims to spearhead Vauxhall glory bid

Green Flag British Touring Car Championship leader Yvan Muller has his sights set on another Vauxhall clean sweep at Thruxton this weekend.

The Frenchman took the lead of the drivers’ championship from team-mate James Thompson with victory in the second race at Brands Hatch two weeks ago.

While pre-season predictions centred on a likely challenge to Vauxhall’s dominance by MG and Honda, they appeared as strong as ever at Brands Hatch.

Honda’s Matt Neal won race one only after pushing the Vauxhall of Paul O’Neill out of the way on the last corner before Muller led a one-two-three for his team in race two, despite hefty weight penalties.

Muller said: “I don’t know how we’re going to top our result at Brands Hatch - a one, two, three for Vauxhall Racing in the second race was brilliant.

“Maybe, we can go for the double treble next weekend, with a podium sweep in both races.

“I won from pole at Thruxton last year in the second race, so I’d like to repeat this performance again.

“But, of course, the racing is very competitive this year and we will have to fight hard to be at the front. Let’s see what happens.”

Reigning champion Thompson, who won both races at the opening round at Mondello Park, was cautious though, claiming Vauxhall should not rest on their laurels.

He said: “Vauxhall has been on the pace since the start of the season, and I’m hopeful that our form will continue at Thruxton.

“Last year I won the first race and finished second in race two, so a repeat of that result would be great.

“It’s a really competitive championship and we’re fully focused to make sure we don’t lose our edge.”

O’Neill claimed consecutive third places at Brands but was certain to win race one had it not been for Neal’s crude attack while in race two team orders forced him to allow Thompson into second.

But the Warrington-based driver took plenty of positives from the weekend and another competitive display at Thruxton.

He said: “Finishing on the podium in both races at Brands Hatch was great, and something I hope to experience again very soon.

“Thruxton is a fast circuit, and I always look forward to racing there, especially on the back of such strong performances by the team.

“I’m sure the Vauxhall team work will be on the pace again this weekend.”