On Sunday last (2 May), the 1998 BTCC champion, Rickard Rydell drove his way to pole for both rounds at Thruxton. The 5th and 6th rounds were held at this, the fastest track of the series, and it appeared to suit Rydell's Volvo S40, and the Swede's driving style. It was not exactly a walkover though, as only 0.879 of a second separated 1st and 5th place on the grid for round 5, and only 0.781 seconds for the same gap in round 6. Qualifying for a round of the Auto Trader British Touring Car Championship is now becoming as fraught as Formula One!
Rickard used his pole position to good effect - securing 2nd place in both races. He did expect to beat the Nissan Primeras, but Aiello spoiled his day!
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Photograph provided by Sutton Images
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Aiello had not previously raced at Thruxton, but managed to be fastest on the track in the sprint race, taking victory with 6 seconds to spare. The gap at the finish of round 6 between himself and Rydell was also 6 seconds. A mean feat for the ex-Le Mans winner. His team mate, David Leslie was not so charmed. He was on the pace, as you can see above. He chased Rydell hard, but it was Aiello who finally made the overtaking move that would give Nissan the lead. Leslie managed to get past also, but he spun off soon after with a puncture. Even though Leslie nursed the car back to the pits, he only finished 11th - behind the privateer Honda of Lee Brookes.
In the feature race, his luck did not improve. In an attempt to prove himself against his team mate, Leslie ran wide and took the Ford Mondeo of Anthony Reid with him - finishing their race. Aiello was left to fight Rydell to the end. An overtaking manoeuvre up Woodham Hill gave Aiello the lead, and his pit crew then managed to get the Nissan back out in front of Rydell's Volvo again. The race was then won.
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