MATT Neal clinched an overall fifth place finish in the British Touring Car Championship after the final rounds at Brands Hatch.

The Droitwich race ace’s team, VX Racing, successfully secured all three championship titles (driver’s, team’s and manufacturer’s) at the closing round of the championship at the weekend.

Fabrizio Giovanardi claimed his second consecutive BTCC driver’s title with VX Racing, finishing with an incredible 36-point lead ahead of his nearest rival, despite only racing twice at Brands Hatch.

Heading into the weekend needing a maximum of nine points to secure victory, Giovanardi added the ninth major touring car title to his honours list.

Former two-time BTCC champion and team-mate Neal had a challenging season, finally finishing with 185 points and fifth position in the driver’s championship standings.

VX Racing rookie Tom Onslow-Cole finished hot on his heels in sixth position with a total of 170 points, marking the end of a strong season for the 21-year-old in his first front wheel drive car.

Neal completed the three-race series at Brands with sixth, second and eighth-placed finishes.

He said: “This has been a wonderful end to a successful season for us all and it’s been great fun along the way.

“The team have worked so hard for us and Vauxhall and Fabrizio really deserve their titles. At times we have been challenged, but the Vectra VXR has come out on top.

“Next year should be even better, we can truly build up-on what we have achieved here in this championship and hopefully I can pull a few more podium finishes together to add to my driver’s standings.”