Gordon Shedden heads to this weekend’s British Touring Car Championship finale at Brands Hatch leading the series by 15 points from Jason Plato, where the Scot is hoping to finally claim his first BTCC title.
Shedden finished as the runner up in 2011 after losing out on the title at the final meeting to team-mate Matt Neal by a mere 8 points. However this year Shedden has the clear upper hand on his team-mate and title rival, despite Neal still having a chance at the title.
The Scot has taken eight wins in 2012 – more than any other driver – although his biggest threat will likely come from Jason Plato, who has taken five podiums in the last six races for MG.
“I’m excited and feel really good,” said Shedden. “It’s what it’s all about, working towards the final round with a chance to win the title. We’ll approach it normally. The most important thing is to do the best job I can and get the car working well. What will be will be.
“It was heartbreaking last year to get so close, though it was great for a Honda to get a one-two,” continued Shedden, who admitted that he would prefer not to see team-mate Neal bag another title. “I think three’s enough now – I need a go! We’ve got to get one of us over the line first and I want it to be me.”
After Neal suffered a disastrous weekend last time out at Silverstone, where he failed to finish any of the three races, he has admitted that he will support Shedden wherever possible, despite still having hopes of a fourth BTCC title.
“I’m not giving up because it can easily turn around,” explained Neal. “We’ll give it our all on Saturday [in qualifying] and then see where we’re at.”
Neal firmly hinted that he is realistically aiming for second in the championship. With team-mate Shedden 31 points adrift and 20 available for taking a win, Neal would face an uphill task to surpass both Shedden and Plato this weekend.
“I want second place in the championship back,” added Neal. “To do that I’ve got to beat Jason. Gordon doesn’t need to beat Jason to win the championship, but if I need to help him I will.
“For the first time we’re going to come off base boost, which is amazing. The pressure is off a little bit and I’m really looking forward to it.”