Reliability has been one of key factors in Charlie Hand’s successful Britcar Trophy season, helping his Westbourne Racing Renault Clio to a number of victories and challenging for the Championship.

But almost a season’s dramas came all at once at Donington Park, with the scorching heat a major factor.

He qualified second quickest in his class for the opening race, only 0.481 secs off the pole sitting Rhys Lloyd/Matthew Dawson car.