On a soaking wet circuit, and never having driven the track before, Hill immediately got to grips with both car and conditions, setting the fastest overall time on both his practice runs and loving the experience.

“I was here watching the Masters Meeting a couple of weeks ago, and was hugely jealous of everyone getting to race on this legendary circuit! So when Paul offered me the chance to drive with him here I was absolutely delighted. I love the way his GTR works – its perfect for today, loads of traction, balance and plenty of power – so it’s a bit lairy to drive, but it’s SO much fun!” grinned Hill.

As the conditions worsened, it was apparent that both Hill and car-owner Kenney were in strong contention for not only class victory, but for the overall awards, and having set a storming 102.42 seconds, with Kenney in second place in practice, with their closest challengers being the 800bhp Audi RS6 of father and son Gerd and Jorg Griepe.

“I’m learning the track with every run, working out the best-lines, the braking points etc, and with the amount of standing water it’s really edgy, but because the GTR is so good I feel very confident I can keep pushing and find more time”

As the first timed runs took place, most drivers improved on their practice runs, and when Kenney first hit the track he went fastest overall, with Gerd Griepe just behind.

When Hill launched into action it was apparent he was already improving on his practice times, and at the end of the run set a blistering 96.52 lap, which was to prove to be 7 seconds quicker than a time set by Jorg Greipe.

“I think I braked about 200 metres later at the end of the straight! I found a load of time everywhere, so I am really pleased with how much I improved, so let’s see what can be done on my second run”

For most drivers the second run saw an improvement, with Kenney getting down to a 102.58 and moving into second place, then Hill’s second run saw him improve by 0.5 seconds to take what was to be the fastest time of the day – 96.25 seconds – and Kenney just getting edged into third place by Dominic Langdon-Down’s Radical SR3 Race car.

“Overall it’s been an amazing experience. I love the circuit, Paul’s car is awesome, and the event is just amazing. It means so much to have Won, and Paul has done a fantastic job too. I’m hugely grateful to Paul for this opportunity, and it puts me in a great state of mind going into the opening BTCC race weekend at Brands Hatch. I can’t wait to get out there in my Trade Price Cars Brisky Racing VW CC 2018 Edition and see what me and the Team HARD crew can achieve”