Michael Caine topped the time sheets in practice as the sun shone through at Rockingham, a stark contrast to the opening weekend at Thruxton which saw very little dry track time.
Heading a 27-car field Caine set the pace in the morning practice, with the teams acclimatising themselves to the new Michelin slick tyre compound. “It’s a good start to the weekend for the team,” said Caine. “But I thought there was more time to come from everybody.”
Stephen Jelley finished second fastest on the track that saw him take two BTCC victories in 2009. “We’re up where we should be, so I’m happy with that,” said Jelley.
Tim Harvey who took two victories in the opening races at Thruxton played down the worries on the pace to Caine and Jelley, “We were just tyre testing in the afternoon session” he said as the team worked on the set-up.
Euan Hankey continued to show pace alongside last years Porsche Scholar Tom Bradshaw, with Glynn Geddie rounding out the top six. Bradshaw feels he could of done better today “The sectors were good so we know we’re on the pace,” said Bradshaw, whose fastest lap was interrupted with a red flag.
Ollie Jackson lead the pro-am1 field with rival Tony Gilham only one tenth of a second behind him. “I’m pleased with the overall position,” said Jackson. Jonas Gelzinis continued to show his natural pace and talent to learn new tracks as he finished third in class ahead of Archie Hamilton and Ahmad Al Harthy.
The pro-am2 category saw Glenn McMenamin setting the pace, finishing 15th overall, nine-tenths of a second ahead of double Thruxton winner Mark Hazell. Steve Parish, George Richardson, George Brewster and Richard Denny were all on pace as they look to challenge closely.