HONDA Yuasa Racing team-mates Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden are in optimistic mood ahead of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship’s visit to Donington Park.

The former champions are confident the Leicestershire circuit will play to their Civic Tourer’s strengths this weekend.

Pershore-based Honda lead both the manufacturers’ and teams’ standings in the BTCC following a superb debut for their new race car in the Brands Hatch curtain-raiser.

Neal and Shedden tallied a trio of podiums and six top-six finishes, placing the former second in the drivers’ table and the latter in fourth.

Neal said: “I have a lot of special memories of Donington Park. It was where I took my first BTCC win, which really set me on my way, plus of course it’s my local circuit.

"It invariably attracts huge numbers of fans, who all create a great atmosphere, and the racing always seems to be good as well.

"It’s a circuit like no other, with very different characteristics, so I’m really looking forward to the weekend."

Pershore team Rob Austin Racing are also hoping to gather points at Donington through their drivers Austin and Hunter Abbott.