Matt Neal: We’re Still In The Hunt

Halfords Yuasa Racing’s Matt Neal has stated his quest to score a record-equalling fourth BTCC title is far from over, despite currently sitting sixth in the standings as the series heads to Knockhill this weekend.

Trailing team-mate and championship leader Gordon Shedden by 64 points, the 50-year-old kicked off the second half of his season with a podium at Snetterton on what was a tricky weekend for the Honda squad.

Now heading north of the border with minimal ballast on-board his Type R, Neal is keen to repeat his performance from 2016 at the Fife circuit, where he bagged a sensational win from eighth on the grid.

“We were pleased to salvage a few good results at Snetterton last time out as it was a really tricky weekend,” he said. “It always felt like a bit of damage limitation there but we’re very much in the hunt at this stage of the season – it’s extremely close.

“Personally, I just need a bit of luck on my side, but at least we go into the event at Knockhill with a lighter car than some of our rivals.

“I’m extremely hungry and despite there being a bit of a points deficit, it is far from over! Knockhill is completely different from anything else on the calendar and it’s quite a crazy challenge for all of us.

“It’s extremely close out there and every fraction of a second counts, particularly with it being such a tight and twisty track.”