Ten drivers surpass Donington record falls to 10 drivers

Motor racing

Volvo's Swedish driver, Rickard Rydell, and Audi newcomer, Frank Biela, will share the front row of the grid for both of today's opening rounds of the British Touring Car Championship at Donington Park.

Rydell confirmed his pre-season form by posting the fastest lap time in yesterday's first qualifying session, a shade ahead of the German, Biela, with the dominant duo swapping positions in the second session.

Under this season's new rule both men qualify for the 26- point bonus awarded to front row drivers. Biela's performance was particularly impressive as his four-wheel-drive Audi A4 was making its British debut. He is the reigning FIA Touring Car World Cup champion.

With 10 cars inside the champion John Cleland's qualifying record for the circuit in the first session, and all 10 separated by less than a second, the omens for a furiously close battle are good. A record crowd is expected.

Cleland, who won three of the four races at the Leicestershire circuit last season, recorded the eighth-fastest time in the all-new Vauxhall Vectra during the first session but finished 10th.

The RAC Tourist Trophy - Britain's most famous motor race - is to be revived as a one-hour endurance race for super touring cars at Donington on 3 November. It was first staged in 1905.

Qualifying times, Digest, page 23