TechSpeed’s Paul O’Neill returns home once again to Oulton Park this weekend, the scene of his maiden BTCC victory way back in 2002 for Vauxhall.
He had a tough time last time out at Brands Hatch, failing to finish the final race of the day, but still heads the Independents Championship, and is looking to build on his good form so far next season at the next round of the season.
“I'm confident that we do our usual and get into the top ten in qualifying and score points in all three races,” he said. “We now need to take a step forward in qualifying and put a good lap together to get inside the top eight and then do our homework on race day to bring home at least one finish in the top four.
“Looking back at the year so far, my podium finish at Rockingham was brilliant as we got that result on merit after a hard fight. If I can do that again and get on the podium at Oulton Park then it would be great. Winning there in 2002 was mega and hopefully I'll come away from the weekend happy again.”
However his Sunshine.co.uk team-mate John George had a torrid weekend at Brands Hatch, missing all three races due to a misfiring engine. The engine problems that plagued his Honda Integra have now been cured though, and the Guernseyman is looking to score more points this weekend.
“I'm really looking forward to Oulton Park,” he said. “It's a really good circuit and one of my favourite tracks on the calendar. It is one where the Honda should be strong but you need to be very precise as a driver because there isn't any room for error. Paul has done a lot of work at the circuit and knows it really well, so hopefully he will be able to pass on plenty of tips to help me during the weekend”
Photo credit: Vince Pettit Photography
