A great practice session, ending second overall, followed by a superb qualifying session on Saturday 19th September, saw Jake Hill take P5 for race one of the British Touring Car Championship at Thruxton.
Jake’s P5 was faster than the 2019 Pole Position time and the MB Motorsport accelerated by Blue Square driver headed into race confident of taking more points.
“We were a little unlucky not to qualify in the top three, but the car has been great again – so thanks to the MB Motorsport guys & girls for their hard work. We’ve recovered to P9 overall and P7 in the Independent’s class, so I aim to build on that,” Hill said.
At the start of race one, Hill battled with Butcher and Chilton into turn one, but Jake’s right rear tyre let go on at the end of lap three, forcing a pitstop. Superb work by the team saw him back on track without losing a lap, but ultimately finishing in P22.
Starting P22 in race two, Hill passed three drivers on lap one, before squeezing past two more on lap two, Goff on lap three and then Thompson a lap later.
The #24 car flying – setting Fastest Lap for Independent Drivers (second overall) and then battling past Jackson and finally Austin – plus benefitting from Morgan’s retirement – to take a remarkable P11 overall.
The reverse grid draw for race three saw Josh Cook get Pole Position – Hill starting P11 – and a difficult start saw him drop to P14.
However, he was instantly back past Austin and Jackson to P12, before fighting up to the back of a battle including Proctor and Cammish.
A superb move at the chicane saw Hill pass Proctor, and then edge away from the pack behind to close on a fight between Turkington, Neal and Crees. Jake was ultimately not able to find a gap but moved up to an eventual P9.
Following all three Thruxton races, Jake told his fans:
“Another tough race, but so pleased to have battled back and got a top-ten. We have been fast all weekend but the R1 puncture was a real blow. As always, my crew have been awesome – so grateful to my fantastic partners for all their support as always, and it’s been great to have my mate Mark Blundell here this weekend – I’ve missed him!”
The BTCC resumes next weekend at Silverstone, with proud BRDC (British Racing Driver’s Club) member Hill determined to take more solid points. Catch next week’s BTCC on ITV4HD.
Road Runner are proud to sponsor Jake Hill this season.
Photography credit: Jakob Ebrey Photography