Honda 'keeping expectations in check' at Donington
Honda arrive at this weekend's BTCC Donington Park round with their expectations in check but have warned there is still much more to come from the Civic Type-R despite it winning two out of the three races at Brands Hatch last time out.
Gordon Shedden and Matt Neal both provided the Team Dynamics outfit with two closely fought victories at the Kent circuit almost two-weeks-ago, quickly diminishing any doubts of Honda not being able to compete early in the season.
Three-time champion Neal shares the BTCC points lead - level on 37 - with MG's Jack Goff and heads into the second round of the championship carrying 75 kilos of success ballast, like his Triple Eight rival.
"It's fair to say that our results at Brands Hatch massively exceeded expectations, but that doesn't change our approach going forward and we remain very realistic in what is already shaping up to be a tremendously competitive BTCC season," said Neal.
"We may have won two of the first three races, but we're not resting on our laurels - we know we still have a lot of areas to work on with this car and a lot of potential to unlock.
"As championship leader, I'll have maximum success ballast in qualifying and race one, but I always said I'd rather carry the extra weight if it means I've got points in the bag."
This time last year - fielding the all new Civic Tourer - Shedden clinched an historic first ever estate touring car victory at the Leicestershire circuit after an enthralling last lap showdown with eventual champion Colin Turkington.
Shedden is currently fifth in the point's battle despite a race three retirement at Brands Hatch encumbering his weekend.
"Each time we take to the track, we are learning more. We've not had much testing in the Civic Type R yet, and we still have to find its sweet spot to make it truly fly - there are a lot of exciting things to try out on this car," said Shedden.
"It's clearly going to be a very unpredictable season with the potential for surprises all the way through. Consistency will be vital - you almost need to keep racking up the points by stealth to make sure you are in with a shout at the end."
