Biela faces protest

Motor racing

Frank Biela faced a protest after extending his lead in the British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch yesterday.

The German Audi driver won the first race, but was beaten by compatriot Joe Winkelhock in the second, the BMW driver scoring his team's first British win for two years. However, Biela's victory was protested by Vauxhall, who questioned the legality of his car's suspension. The RACMSA, the national governing body, will consider the matter.

Biela's four-wheel drive Audi, only fourth on the grid, made a storming start to the third round and led into the first corner as his rivals struggled for grip. Although Alain Menu, in a Renault, and Winkelhock pushed him hard, the German held on. "It was never easy but making such a good start was vital. Overtaking is very, very hard here," Biela said.

In the fourth round it was Biela's team-mate John Bintcliffe who stole the headlines. The newcomer took the lead by pushing Winkelhock out of the way, only for the BMW driver to return the favour two laps later. Winkelhock then pulled away to win with Menu second. The Volvo driver Rickard Rydell and Biela beat Bintcliffe home.

Results, Digest, page 19