Smith happy at leading VX challenge.

Gavin Smith was left a happy man after leading the VX Racing challenge in qualifying for the latest round of the BTCC at Oulton Park.

Smith finished the session ahead of more experienced team-mates Yvan Muller and Colin Turkington to secure a place on the second row of the grid behind Jason Plato and the Team Halfords duo of Matt Neal and Dan Eaves.

"The two warm-ups were a good indication of the pace I had and it came through in qualifying," the Irishman told Crash.net Radio. "To be ahead of your team-mates is a good benchmark to start the race from, especially with the two that I have, so I'm happy.

"Every time we get in the car the car is getting better and we are finding bits to move forwards. Pembrey [where the team recently tested the Astra Sport Hatch] was definitely a help as the team were working on the geometry of the car and found a good few bits but at the end of this weekend we'll have something we didn't have before. It's just developing a new car.

"I hate predicting results because it's always bad luck but I have the pace to run in the top five. It's just a case of staying on the track and not getting involved in any incidents. A podium isn't out of the question and we'll see what happens but I'll be pushing as hard as I can."