Fifth place on the grid for the final Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship meeting of the season at Brands Hatch proved the best of Adam Morgan‘s 2014 campaign, earned during a breathtaking qualifying session in mixed conditions.
The drying surface of the 2.3-mile circuit – following a heavy downpour that ended second practice earlier on Saturday afternoon – produced a lottery of a qualifying session, Morgan one of those who timed his run on slick tyres to the finest.
The Ciceley Racing Mercedes A-Class will line up a season-highest fifth on the grid behind championship leader, Colin Turkington, and Morgan was delighted with the outcome having had his morning practice ended by an off at Druids.
“I’m chuffed to bits with that”, Morgan told The Checkered Flag after a fine qualifying performance in what was a lottery of a session.
“It was hectic, we came into the pits two or three times to talk about tyres, plus all sorts of different strategies, but we managed to time it quite well.
“We got out when the track was at its best, and the tyres came up to temperature. It was well managed by the team, so I’m just really, really happy.”
“We got out when the track was at its best, then the tyres came up to temperature. It was well managed by the team, so I’m just really, really happy.”
Morgan’s only qualm from the 30-minute thriller was the Mercedes’ ultimate pace in the damp, insisting that a dry Sunday would be his preferred choice following a challenge to find a wet weather-friendly set-up.
“We’ve been suffering a little bit in the wet”, Morgan added on a day which saw the weather conditions twist no fewer than five times across the day.
“We have struggled with set-up too and in trying to find the sweet spot, so as soon as it comes round we can then get the best time in. In the wet though, we’re just trying the find the right set-up.
“But, we’re getting there. Obviously we will want it to be dry for tomorrow.”
While hinting that a podium finish would be a suitable finish to a competitive maiden season for the new BTCC machine, Morgan does not count out a win opportunity.
“I presume so. We know that we can do it, so I’m on it now for a podium. I’m really hoping so.”
