Puncture cruelly denies Plant of top five finish

Richard Plant looked set to claim a top five finish after a fantastic display in race one of the Porsche Carrera Cup GB at Brands Hatch, until a late race puncture sent him tumbling down the order.

Plant, one of only three drivers to score points in every race this season, started from a lowly ninth place after being held up by a backmarker during this morning's qualifying session. But the 21-year-old quickly got over that disappointment by shooting past Kieran Vernon as the lights went out to start the first race. Plant's team-mate Sam Tordoff then went defensive into Paddock Hill Bend for the first time and the scene was set for an early scrap for seventh place in the 17-lap race.

The Multiplex-backed driver continued to pressure Tordoff and when fourth placed Jonas Gelzinas ran wide at Surtees around the mid-distance stage of the contest, Plant took his opportunity. Tordoff checked up behind the returning Gelzinas at the exit of Surtees and Plant blasted by both of them on the run up to Hawthorn Bend.

Sixth place then became fifth when Rockingham double race winner Euan Hankey went off, ending his race in the gravel at Druids.

By this point Plant was all over the back of SAS/Redline Racing's championship contender Michael Meadows. Time after time Plant got a great run through Clark Curve and the entry to Paddock Hill Bend. He continued to apply pressure on Meadows on the exit of Graham Hill Bend, but his rival was able to fend off the challenges through Surtees and down Pilgrim's Drop. It was an intriguing battle of different styles, skills and set-ups between two talented drivers, but drama struck just as it looked to be building into a fascinating finale.

As Plant ran through Paddock Hill Bend with two laps to go, the top rookie slowed and it immediately became clear he had picked up a puncture. He fell down the order as he slowly made his way back to the pits and looked to be facing his first non-finish of the season. His Team Parker squad had other ideas however and were able to fit a new Michelin tyre in record time - Plant returned to the action to claim ninth place at the finish.

The result means Plant keeps his record of taking points in every race, but it was a cruel blow for him to end up where he had started after an eye-catching display. His performance will have filled him with confidence at least, and he has it all to do again from the fifth row of the grid tomorrow.

Race two starts at 14:55 on Sunday and is expected to take place in front of a huge crowd basking in the sun at Brands Hatch. For those that can't make it - the race will be screened live on ITV4 HD and the official Richard Plant website will file a report immediately after the race.