BTCC: Thompson does the double in the wet at Donington

Despite rumours circulating beforehand that the circuit would not be ready in time, Donington Park was able to host rounds 7-9 of the BTCC over the weekend of the 16th/17th May.

James Thompson who has recently joined Team Dynamics had an excellent weekend with wins in the first two races and a sixth place finish in the third.

After winning race one, Thompson became the seventh different winner in as many races this season. A clear indication, as if one was needed, of how close the racing is in the BTCC.

Race one was heavily rain affected. The experienced Thompson was able to move into the lead after a slow start from young Andy Jordan who had inherited pole position from his VX Racing team mate Giovanardi. The Italian clocked the fastest time in Saturday qualifying but was dropped to the back of the grid due to a technical issue with his car.

Thompson managed to maintain the lead through to the end of the race and was followed home by Jordan (2nd), Neal (3rd) and Collard (4th).

There were very creditable performances from Harry Vaulkhard finishing in 5th and Jonathan Adam in 6th.

In race two, the rain abated and Thompson lead away from the start maintaining that position through to the chequered flag. The two Vauxhalls of Championship leader Neal and reigning champion Giovanardi finished second and third respectively.

Jason Plato in the Chevrolet Lacetti came in fourth, followed by Colin Turkington in the BMW and Plato's team mate Matt Jackson in sixth.

Race three started with another downpour but the track later dried. Rob Collard in the Team Airwaves BMW made a lightning start and opened up an early lead which he held through to the end of the race.

Turkington took second place with Plato in third - his first and only podium finish of the weekend. Matt Jackson took fourth spot followed by Giovanardi and Thompson in sixth, putting him in contention for the Championship even at this early stage of the season.

Next rounds - 10 to 12 - Oulton Park 30th/31st May

End to a busy month - Jenson wins in Bahrain / BTCC action at Thruxton

April came to a close with plenty of action both on and off track.

Jenson Button picked up his third win of the season at last weekend's Bahrain GP joined on the podium by German wunderkind Sebastian Vettel and Toyota's Jarno Trulli.

Lewis Hamilton in the much improved McLaren came in fourth - his season's best to date.

Meanwhile in the latest BTCC rounds at Thruxton, James Thompson made a welcome return to the series action with Team Dynamics sporting another of his decidedly dodgy hair dos!!

(Fortunately his driving makes up for it so we can forgive him)

The VX Racing team scored a 1-2-3 in the first race with Giovanardi leading home Matt Neal and young Andrew Jordan.

Colin Turkington took victory in race two after a closely fought battle with Giovanardi while Matt Jackson, debuting in an RML Chevrolet had an excellent win in race three.

Off track, McLaren received their expected rap across the knuckles - a suspended race ban. Ron Dennis's recent departure from the scene would appear to have been sufficient to appease the F1 hierarchy.

Today the FIA have announced their planned £ 40 million spending cap for the 2010 season which they hope will lead to up to an additional six cars joining the grid. Several teams including McLaren and Williams have already raised concerns.

No doubt this one will rumble on over the next few months!