Maiden pole 'a massive relief' - Cammish

Honda's Dan Cammish has described his maiden British Touring Car Championship pole position scored at Knockhill as 'a massive relief'.

The BTCC rookie narrowly defeated the BMWs of Stephen Jelly, Andrew Jordan and championship leader Colin Turkington to secure the top-spot on the grid for tomorrow's opening race in Scotland.

Cammish obliterated the outgoing qualifying lap record, which was previously held by Jason Plato, after setting a 50.929s lap around the recently resurfaced Knockhill circuit.

"It’s a massive relief. I came into the pit-lane and sat in the car for a bit. The guys told me that was P1 with two minutes to go," said Cammish.

"You kind of just sit there thinking ‘please let this be it.’ You’re sitting there on pole waiting for the bad news that someone has jumped you.

"Thankfully, it was enough, by nothing, from the BMWs. I’m really pleased. I’m really pleased for myself and also for the team. They’ve worked so hard and given me a great car, on more than one occasion."

Having admitted in letting frustration get the better of him in previous qualifying sessions, Cammish said a reset between the last round at Rockingham and this weekend has altered his outlook going forward.

Cammish famously almost took pole position on his first attempt at Brands Hatch earlier in the season, but saw his lap-time deleted after committing a pit-lane infringement.

"My qualifying record has been pretty good this year. It’s good to finally get that pole. I say finally, I think last time out at Rockingham was a big eye opener," Cammish continued.

"I was a bit down on myself for being third, when I thought the car should’ve had pole. But also, I think I’ve got to adapt. This is touring car racing. It’s not always as clear cut as it looks. It’s not Porsche Carrera Cup, it’s not single make stuff.

"When I heard Morgan saying that was his first pole after six years, I think that kind of hit me that I’m putting way too much pressure on myself here."

Looking ahead of tomorrow's opening race, Cammish is mindful of the threat BMW carry behind as the Team Dynamics driver sets his sights on banking a strong haul of points.

With rain looking set to influence tomorrow's three races, Cammish is hoping for full wet conditions, as opposed to the trickier greasy conditions, in which the latest Honda has tended to struggle in so far this season.

"I’m in front of three BMWs. Will I be in front of them come turn one? I don’t think anyone would blame if I’m not. I’ve got to accept that," Cammish explained.

"If I can be on the podium, then great. If I can be in the top-five, great. I want to get some points on the board and start a strong weekend right.

"The wet is fine for us. I want it properly wet, not half and half greasy conditions. I want it to rain. If it’s going to rain, I want to have a proper go at it. In the rain, we go well. That will probably negate some of their [BMW] start-line advantage."