Newcomer to the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, Tony Gilham, today qualified in 11th position for the first race of the day at Brands Hatch tomorrow.

Gilham, who was driving the distinctive green and pink Triple Eight Engineering Vauxhall Vectra, set a lap time of 49.045 but believes that he can go quicker than that.

“I was hoping for a top ten and get under 48 seconds. We’re literally 0.045 of the 48 second barrier and 0.01 off a top ten position,” said Gilham. “We missed the whole of the second session so we only had half an hour in the car so I’m pleased but I always want more.”

The BTCC is a big difference to the Porsche Carrera Cup GB which Tony graduated from so the early stages of the season will be a big learning curve for the 31 year old local from Dartford.

“It’s been a productive day and we’re jsut getting quicker and quicker and finding a couple of tenths every time I go out. Hopefully I can maintain that pace in the race and make up a couple of places.”

It could have been a lot better for Tony if it wasn’t for the unfortunate red flag for the stranded car of Tom Onslow-Cole but agrees that that’s what you have to come to expect. “My fastest lap was actually the red flag lap but I suppose everyones going to have their excuses”

Photo Credit: Pete Mainey (www.psmmotorsportimages.co.uk)

James Mappin is the editor-in-chief covering the British Touring Car Championship. You can contact him at james@btcccrazy.co.uk, on twitter @BTCCCrazy or on his personal twitter account @jamesmappin.