MATT Neal clinched his first British Touring Car Championship title with third place in race two at Brands Hatch yesterday.

The Droitwich driver became the first independently-entered competitor to win the crown since 1991 -- ending four years of Vauxhall domination.

Neal, who drives a Honda, started the day with a 30-point lead to protect --knowing all he had to do was finish all three races in a competitive position to secure the title.

He put in a cautious race in the first contest to all but guarantee him the number one plate next season.

Team-mate Dan Eaves from Evesham led from pole position to win comfortably -- but all the action was behind as Yvan Muller and Neal battled.

Muller was noticeably slower than Neal. But the Englishman refused to take any risks and sat glued to the Vauxhall's bumper.

Former champion Jason Plato, in a Seat, muscled past Neal before harrying Muller. But Plato had to settle for third behind Muller, with Neal fourth.

In the second race, Neal went one better and was able to celebrate his championship triumph on the podium after his third place.

Neal was overjoyed to finally end a season on top. "It's an emotional moment. It's fabulous," he said.

"Everybody who's involved in backing this team has won. If you'd told me before the season started that I'd be crowned champion, I'd have struggled to believe it."