TOM Ingram took control of the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) title battle with a race win and podium finish at Donington Park.
The Coventry driver ended the weekend with a race victory after securing a podium finish in race one.
He just missed out on a triple podium after finishing fourth in race two and sits top of the drivers’ standings on 377 points.
Ingram now leads title rival Ash Sutton by 32 points with two rounds left to race.
Ingram said: “It’s been a really, really strong weekend and if we could have similar at Silverstone next time out then it would be great.
“We did exactly what we needed to do by maximising our performance across race day, although I’ll readily admit that we’ve had luck on our side a little bit.
“Ash got caught up in some drama in race two when he would probably have won.
“We also got a good reverse grid draw which set us up for the win in race three and means we’ve been able to extend our advantage in the standings.
“Once again the car has been on top form which all down to the little improvements we continue to make.
“It’s in such a nice place and it doesn’t seem to matter what kind of circuit we go to, it just works which is huge credit to the team.
“I don’t think there is such a thing as the perfect race car, but the Hyundai certainly isn’t far off.
“I’d say it’s the first time in my career that I’ve had a car that is this strong at so many circuits; it’s pretty special.”
The Team Vertu driver finished behind teammate Tom Chilton in race one after the pair pulled clear of the chasing pack.
And Ingram then finished fourth in race two with title rival Sutton down in eighth after he collided with NAPA Racing UK teammate Dan Rowbottom.
Ingram then triumphed in race three to claim his fifth victory of the season as he came out on top in a duel with Sutton.
The BTCC season continues at Silverstone on the weekend of September 20 and 21.
