Rob Huff once again underlined his potential with a superb fourth quickest time in qualifying for the first FIA World Touring Car Championship race at the Valencia circuit in Spain at the weekend. After making substantial changes to the front suspension on his RML-prepared Chevrolet Lacetti, the 25 year-old Cambridge driver was able to capitalise on those improvements to take the team's highest ever grid slot.

After the first qualifying run, Rob added more rear wing and for the second run was able to make the most of a new set of tyres to take the second row spot. "That was a fantastic lap," said Rob. "After free practice we decided to have a go at making some changes with the set up, including changing the front suspension, both roll bars and camber and in qualifying it all gelled beautifully. When the team radioed through that I was fourth quickest, I had to ask them to repeat it! It was great for the team who have worked so hard throughout the season."

As the first race got underway Rob was confident of taking the team's first ever podium finish. A steady start though soon turned to drama as a shove from Rickard Rydell forced him onto the grass on the start/finish straight, although some superb car control saw him keep the car in the right direction and hold on to the position. When they entered the first left-hander though, with Rob just in front, Rydell then hit the right rear of Rob's car, pitching him into a spin and the barriers, his race over on the spot.

"Rydell came alongside me through the middle of the grid and then just started pushing me off and onto the grass. I somehow managed to keep the car going in the right direction and got it back on the track but when we arrived at the first left-hander, I was past Rydell and he just him me again on the right rear, sending me into a spin and the barriers, not without me hitting a couple of other cars first. It's been a long time since I have been hit this hard!"

The resultant damage to the car prevented Rob from taking up his grid position for race two, and he was forced to take up the role of interested spectator. The series now enjoys a seven-week break before the final, on the streets of Macau, in China on November 19/20.