FABRIZIO Giovanardi says qualifying well at Croft tomorrow will be doubly important as its twisty nature makes overtaking more difficult than at other circuits.

Giovanardi arrives at the circuit, near Darlington, leading the HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship by 18 points.

But leading also means his Vauxhall Vectra VXR will carry maximum success ballast - an extra 45kgs in weight - during qualifying, putting him at a possible disadvantage.

The reigning BTCC Champion said: "Croft is a very tight and small circuit and it's difficult to overtake. Qualifying is very important, because you can lose a lot of time early in the race if you're not at the front. It's very different to other circuits; it's very bumpy and you always have to try and keep all four wheels on the track."

He added: "Looking back at the season we have really had a fantastic start. We have a very strong team and package and whichever circuit we've been to we were competitive. I claimed one win (at Croft) last year and I'm confident I can do the same again this year."

Team-mate Matt Neal, who Giovanardi succeeded as champion last year, also clearly fancies his chances.

Currently fourth in the standings, the 2005 and 2006 title-winner has won twice in the past at Croft and knows strong results are required if he's to keep in touch with Giovanardi this weekend.

Neal, whose Vectra will begin the weekend with an extra 18kgs of ballast, said: "We are nearly halfway through the season and considering we have won one out of every two races, we've been very consistent.

"Croft is a very short circuit and it's usually a very close fight. I'm aiming for another victory again as it's been two race meetings without a race win for me.

"I'm confident I can improve on my fourth place in the championship at Croft."

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