Matt Neal laments Plato, Jordan absence but says coronavirus delay saved his BTCC season
Matt Neal has revealed his disappointment at the absence of Jason Plato and Andrew Jordan from this season's British Touring Car Championship.
Matt Neal has opened up on how he will miss the presence of British Touring Car Championship rivals Jason Plato and Andrew Jordan this season. The pair of former champions both pulled out of the series prior to the start of the 2020 campaign due to the financial impact of the coronavirus crisis.
Tin-top legend Neal has been a staple of the BTCC since his debut in 1991, and the 53-year-old has endured an at-times tempestuous rivalry with Plato for much of his touring car career.
However, the experienced pair have mellowed in recent seasons and are now considered the elder statesmen of the series while Jordan has also racked up 355 starts in the UK's premier motorsport category.
Halfords Yuasa Racing star Neal says he will miss the presence of his fellow veterans during the compressed nine-round schedule this term, which is proceeding under strict regulations and protocols designed to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Speaking to Express Sport about Plato and Jordan prior to the opening rounds of the season at Donington Park last weekend, Neal said: "I will miss them, on the friendship side.
"I know me and Jason have had a very rollercoaster friendship but I see him as one of the old hands who steadies the ship and I feel like he is one of the people I can race against, same as AJ.
"There are some idiots out there. People probably think I'm one of them, but there are some you feel you can race against.
"You give space to them and they give you space back. There are plenty of other good people out there.
"Any one of a dozen drivers could win the thing outright, never mind win races, so it's pretty much open."
Neal has lifted the overall BTCC crown on three separate occasions and is also a six-time Independents champion but he was forced to play a supporting role to Team Dynamics team-mate Dan Cammish last season.
Cammish was in the hunt for top honours right until the closing laps of the season at Brands Hatch, but the 31-year-old suffered a spectacular break failure which confirmed a fourth title for Team BMW ace Colin Turkington.
Neal is already playing catch-up to Cammish after his stablemate won the opening race of the season, but the experienced campaigner says he has no issues if he has to help out his young rival once again.
"I've always tried to be a team player," Neal said. "I think the greatest touring car driver of all time was Steve Soper because he was such a team player.
A great day all round, 1st in the Manufacturers Championship with @DanCammish 2nd and @MattNealRacing 8th in the drivers Championship. See you next week at Brands. @Halfords @YuasaEurope @hondaracingbtcc @BTCC @DiamondbriteUK https://t.co/H7ot6sK5nj
— Team Dynamics Motorsport (@TeamDynamics) August 2, 2020
"He was fast enough to win the championship but he was always a team player. I enjoy that side as much as anything.
"It's not about the personal accolade of picking up the trophy, it's seeing everyone else's faces and getting the job done.
"Don't get me wrong, I'll try my damndest for it to be me but if not then I'm just another cog in the wheel just like all the other guys."
Neal actually benefitted from the coronavirus crisis delaying the start of the season, having suffered a collapsed lung and multiple fractures in a mountain bike accident, but insists he is fit and well to race now.
"I'm alright," he said. "I'm not brilliant, but when Marc Marquez jumps back on after a broken arm after one week I feel a bit of a wuss!
"I can't really use it as an excuse anymore. We did the two day test at Snetterton and I didn't really do race runs as it was hurting - mainly my clavicle because that's where your HANS device sits.
Slight shunt today
— Matt Neal (@MattNealRacing) January 19, 2020
Matt Neal 0 - Tree 1.....
Basically broken clavicle, multiple fractures to shoulder, broken rib, punctured lung which then collapsed so still enjoying hospitality of @WorcsAcuteNHS Worcester General where the staff are absolutely fabulous! ������������������������ pic.twitter.com/eSRA8RKOcO
"I had my accident in January and I was determined to make the start of the season but I wouldn't have done, so I was lucky.
"I did the media day and managed to get a time out of it but I was not in a good way after that. I was a bit nervous going to Snetterton but you soon get back into the groove."
The BTCC returns for Rounds 4, 5 and 6 at Brands Hatch this weekend, with ITV4 coverage starting from 10.20am on Sunday, August 9. Catch up with all the action so far this season on BTCC.net.