Godfrey seizes British Rallycross points lead with Knockhill triumph

Reigning British Rallycross champion Julian Godfrey took victory in the series' Knockhill event and with it the lead of the 2012 title chase.

Godfrey would prove fastest from the outset at the Scottish venue. Claiming the bonus point for setting the fastest lap in practice, he then went unbeaten in the three qualifying heat races and set fastest lap to notch up a further bonus point.

However as the drivers hit the grid for the 8pm final the fast-setting sun caused worrying visibility problems.

"The sun was shining straight into the starting lights and I couldn't see them from pole position," reported Godfrey afterwards. "I watched for Steve Hill [starting from second on the grid] to move and then dropped the clutch. I couldn't quite beat him to the first corner but had second place there and decided that if Steve didn't take the Joker Lap, I would, and then try to catch him in the race."

Godfrey ran third after taking the Joker Lap but passed round one winner Ollie O'Donovan to reclaim second and immediately began hunting down Hill.

Mitsubishi Lancer E10 pilot Hill led until the final tour when he was required to take his Joker. Godfrey had closed significantly and with the extra distance covered by Hill he was able to steam across the line to take a dramatic win.

Hill held on to second ahead of O'Donovan. Pat Doran was fourth in his new Citroën DS3.

Godfrey now tops the standings ahead of the championship’s next round, which takes place at Mallory Park on July 22.

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James Weeks