Nissan Motor (GB) Limited

Press Enquiries

The Rivers Office Park

Denham Way, Maple Cross

Rickmansworth

Hertfordshire WD3 2YS

Registered in England (No. 2514418)

Tel: 01923 899930

Fax: 01923 899969

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

18 April 1999

NISSAN PRIMERA CLAIMS SILVERSTONE ONE-TWO

Vodafone Nissan Racing gained its first win of the season at Silverstone today scoring a one-two to lead the 1999 Auto Trader British Touring Car manufacturers championship.  Frenchman Laurent Aiello recorded his first BTCC win in only his third race in the British Championship, storming to victory in the Sprint Race (15 laps), round three of the series.

The Nissans were dominant in qualifying, with Leslie, Aiello and privateer Matt Neal claiming the first three places on the grid in the Sprint Race. Confirming the pace of the works Nissans, Aiello also took pole position in the Feature Race. 

In the Sprint Race, there was an impressive Nissan one-two, with Aiello claiming his first ever BTCC victory in a time of 21:16.158. Behind him - a gap of only 1.678 seconds - was team-mate David Leslie. Leslie was overtaken on the first lap at Abbey by Aiello and the Parisian never looked back.

In the Feature Race (30 laps), round four of the championship, Aiello started in pole position on the grid and set the fastest lap, 1:24.052 . The wet weather at the start of the race caused problems for the drivers and Aiello started on slicks. After his scheduled pit stop to change two tyres, Aiello recovered from early setbacks to finish the race sixth.

Nissan Primera claims Silverstone one-two...2

Leslie started the race from the pit lane after a late decision to change to intermediate tyres. Despite being knocked on to the grass at Luffield, his hard work was rewarded when he fought his way through the field and finished the race seventh.

Team Principal of Vodafone Nissan Racing, Ray Mallock, said: "A one-two for the team at Silverstone is always an achievement to remember. It's also a special day for Laurent. Winning your first BTCC race is a milestone for any driver. We are very pleased for him and we know he can go on to greater things in the championship."  

LAURENT AIELLO SPRINT RACE 1st FEATURE RACE  6th  

Aiello was delighted with his performance in the first race and said: "It's a happy day for me. I am very pleased to have recorded my first win in the British championship in only my third race. I never expected to win a race so soon. I knew I had to concentrate hard for the entire race if I was to win - and I did. We had a very good set-up with the car on Friday and it performed well during the race. It's very good experience for me. The Feature Race was less successful but I know that the car is fast and has great potential."  

DAVID LESLIE SPRINT RACE 2nd FEATURE  RACE  7th  

Leslie, on pole for the first time this year, recorded the fastest lap (1:24.026), 155.06 km/h (96.356 mph) in the Sprint Race and was very pleased with second place. "It's fantastic for the team. I am delighted it's a Nissan one-two. It was particularly enjoyable because our only one-two last year came at this circuit. The Feature Race was spoilt by the weather which made driving a lottery but I am very happy with the way the car is performing. The team have done a brilliant job."

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

BTCC race day inquiries Roger Ryan

Tel 0831 337088

NISSAN inquiries Daniel Ward or Andrew Roberts at Nissan                                             

Tel 01923 899930  Fax  01923 899969

1999 AUTO TRADER BRITISH TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP

Silverstone, April 18th 1999

Round 3 - Sprint Race                              Round 4 - Feature Race

1 Laurent Aiello (Nissan)                              1 Jason Plato (Renault)

2 David Leslie (Nissan)                                2 Yvan Muller (Vauxhall)

3 Rickard Rydell (Volvo)                               3 Jean-Christophe Boullion (Renault)

4 Matt Neal (Nissan)                         4 James Thompson (Honda)

5 James Thompson (Honda)                       5 Peter Kox (Honda)

6 Jason Plato (Renault)                                6 Laurent Aiello (Nissan)

7 Anthony Reid (Ford)                                  7 David Leslie (Nissan)

8 Jean-Christophe Boullion (Renault)         8 John Cleland (Vauxhall)

9 Peter Kox (Honda)                         9 Anthony Reid (Ford)

10 John Cleland (Vauxhall)              10 Paula Cook (Honda)*               

BTCC DRIVERS' CHAMPIONSHIP - after four (of 26) rounds

1 James Thompson (Honda) 43

2 Jason Plato (Renault) 41

3 Matt Neal (Nissan) 31*

4 David Leslie (Nissan) 25

5 Laurent Aiello (Nissan) 21

6 Jean-Christophe Boullion (Renault) 18

7 Yvan Muller (Vauxhall) 18

8 John Cleland (Vauxhall) 16

9 Rickard Rydell (Volvo) 14

10 Peter Kox (Honda) 14

MANUFACTURERS                                               TEAMS

1 Nissan 65                                                   1 Williams Racing 40

2 Renault 60                                      2 Honda Sport 30

3 Honda 58                                                    3 Vauxhall Sport 24

4 Vauxhall 36                                     4 Team Dynamics 15

5 Volvo 22                                                      5 Nissan Racing 9

6 Ford 19                                                       6 Volvo S40 Racing 6                                                                      *= Independent