Cammish: I didn't expect to get a lifeline

Honda's Dan Cammish admitted to feeling 'quite emotional' after boosting his British Touring Car Championship title hopes following his stunning race one win at Brands Hatch.

The Team Dynamics driver took advantage of the changeable conditions during a thrilling opening race to storm through the pack from 12th on the grid and close to within 8-points of championship leader Colin Turkington, who finished in fifth.

"I woke up this morning thinking ‘give it your all but try and consolidate a top three in this championship’," Cammish told Crash.net.

"We know Cook is good in those conditions as well. I thought ‘you want to be on the podium in the end, that’s a good improvement from last year’.

"I never thought we’d have been in this position mid-season, but here we are. What cost me two weeks ago when it rained too hard, this time it didn’t rain hard enough to make them pit for wets.

"Once they didn’t, I knew if I stayed out, I was beating them. I was a bit worried that 10 or so pitted for wets and how far they could get up.

"I gave it everything. I made some good moves and risked it all when it really mattered. Thankfully the team gave me a great car and what a mega result!"

Cammish came alive in the greasy conditions and moved ahead of title rival Turkington on lap 12 before eventually passing Rory Butcher for the lead of the race just four laps later.

"I was never happy in sixth or seventh. I knew I had to dispatch the BMWs. At that point when I was behind Hill I had two choices," the Honda driver continued.

"You either take it, and don’t risk anything. But there’s a nice gap to the leader if you win a race. There’s 3-points to 2nd. I thought ‘I need them more than anyone right now. Let’s give this a proper go and let’s risk a bit’.

"That’s what I had to do and this morning race one was my race."

Cammish was also able to take further points out of Turkington's championship thanks to an inspired tyre strategy from Honda team mate Matt Neal, who scythed his way ahead of the Team BMW driver to give Team Dynamics a famous 1-2 finish.

"I was quite emotional at the end. To win from 12th is one thing, but to do it in the wet on slicks when you’re scrambling around. Also the effort I put in. I couldn’t see another slick car in my mirror," said Cammish.

"I’m very proud of that. What will be, will be in the championship. I didn’t expect to get a lifeline. We know how fast the BMW is in the wet."