Matt Rowling believes Class C rival Callum Houchen will become harder to beat in the season’s second half.

Rowling’s Civic EP3 has had the upper hand over Houchen’s Civic FN2 in six of the season’s eight rounds so far.

But last time out at Snetterton it almost became four-all with Houchen leading Rowling for much of both races before the latter managed to find a way by.

“I had to work very hard to keep Callum behind me after I’d eventually got through and in one of those races I only got past because he missed a gear,” said Rowling.

“His car has slightly more power which helped down the long straights there whereas my car perhaps makes up time in the corners as it’s a bit lighter.

“The Oulton Park lay-out this coming weekend will play to both cars’ strengths I’m sure.

“After that, Brands Hatch will favour mine but Knockhill – particularly with the drag out of the hairpin up the long hill – could be good for him, as I think will be the final rounds at Snetterton on the 200 circuit which doesn’t have the infield section where I can make up time.”

Houchen one obvious difference between his FN2 and Houchen’s EP3 is making the difference.

“The EP3 is better through the quicker corners because it’s got independent rear suspension compared to a rear beam on the FN2.

“I’m always treading a fine line between having the car loose and being able to bring it back into line when it gets wayward.

“But Matt can pedal. If I can be anywhere near him I know I’m doing well.

“Our speeds mid-corner seem very close but Oulton is a confidence circuit and I know he’s done endurance races there – I might be on the backfoot a bit.

“I’m expecting him to be ahead at Brands – his local circuit, too – whereas Knockhill is a bit of an unknown.

“Ideally I can keep in touch with him on points for the Snetterton finale and see how things work out there.”