Read: Interview with BTCC’s Matt Neal – “The Racing is not Pretty at Times”

Matt Neal is heading into his 30th British Touring Car Championship season and is focused on refinding some of his old magic. The three-time champion spoke to Motorsport Radio at the Autosport International.

Neal made his debut in the BTCC in 1991 with Pyramid Motorsport in a BMW M3 and 29 years on he still has the same motivation and his teammate, Dan Cammish, is helping him in that process.

“Yeah, but it’s different because you’re familiar with what’s coming up so some of the nervousness isn’t there but the drive to succeed and do well is definitely still there.

“Dan’s a bit younger than me and he’s very fast which is good because it makes me stay on my toes and pushes me harder and I like that. I like to be pushed out of my comfort zone a bit. I just need to not make mistakes, stay lucky and keep focused.”

Last year, the new BMW 3-Series was utterly dominant at times with eventual champion Colin Turkington and runner-up Andrew Jordan winning 11 races between them.

Many thought the championship was over midway through the season until Honda and Cammish started to make gains to prove that the BMW can be beaten over the season. Neal believes that things will be similar in 2020 but the whole field will be very competitive again as it has been for the last 5-10 years.

“They’re still gonna be the car to beat, just with the free standing start and the rear-wheel drive but the FK9-Type R was fast at the end of last year but I think they won it in the first half of last year when they had more boost than everyone else. 

“You’re looking for smaller margins, it’s tough and the racing is not pretty at times, it’s pretty brutal but that’s good for fans I guess. It makes it quite stressful at times but that’s the nature of the beast.”

New hybrid rules will be introduced in 2022 will innovate the series as Cosworth Electronics supply the new hybrid system. It’s an exciting concept and Neal is looking forward to the prospect which will challenge the drivers and invite a more strategic style of racing.

“I think it’s going to be brilliant, I’d love to be involved with that. New technology excites me and it’s the way the world is going and we need to embrace it. It’s a new challenge for us all so I’m looking forward to it.

“In Formula One the system is pre-programme and they manage the hybrid electronically. The bias front to rear is very difficult in these cars for the close racing and that will change with regenerating so that will be a challenge to sort out.”

It’s been a long time since Neal last challenged for the championship and he has seen former teammate Gordon Shedden and now teammate Cammish, fight and win titles in the last decade whilst Neal has been unable to find the consistency to battle at the top of the standings.

But, at 53-years of age Neal still believes he has what it takes to contend for a record-equalling fourth BTCC title.

“I always think confidence brings complacency so I am very hopeful. I wouldn’t say I’m confident but I think we’ve got a great package coming together and I am just looking for a little bit of luck along the way.”

Since speaking with Neal, the Honda driver was involved in an accident while cycling, which saw him admitted to hospital after breaking a rib and clavicle. He has now been released and we at Motorsport Radio wish him a speedy recovery.