Jake Hill says that engineering secrets unlocked on the way to his maiden British Touring Car Championship victory in his Trade Price Cars Racing Audi S3 at Knockhill two weeks ago will put him on the front foot as the series reconvenes at Silverstone this weekend.

The 25-year-old from East Farleigh in Kent,  powered to an unopposed win in the third race in Scotland in  two weeks ago, and is relishing the chance to get back behind the wheel of his machine to continue the campaign.

“It has taken a while to get over my maiden win, but now we are back to business and it is time to roll up the sleeves and get back to work,” says Hill. “Myself and my engineers worked really hard on the Audi over the three races at Knockhill and we tried something different, quite radical, with the set-up for the finale.

“It really clicked and I was able to take a couple of tenths of a second off my lap times. We think that can translate to the races this weekend, so that gives me lots of optimism.”

Hill comes to the weekend in fifth spot in the chase for the Independents Trophy, which is a contest for non-manufacturer-backed cars. He has set his sights on making progress in the points table and is determined to land some big results on a circuit which is suited to the booted Audi.

Hill adds: “The final two rounds are at Silverstone and at Brands Hatch [on October 12/13] and those are two of my favourite circuits. I am so excited about the end of the campaign.

“I have had some strong performances here in the past – I finished 5th in 2016 in the Toyota Avensis, and qualified 5th in the VW CC the following year, plus I Won here on the GP Circuit in July with my mate Rob Fenn in his Ford Mustang at the Silverstone Classic.

“I know the Audi performs well around the Silverstone circuit. It has traditionally gone well there, but the racing is always so close. The layout of the National track means it is quite a short lap which always keeps the racing tight, but that also means it is going to be a real dogfight.

“The long straights of the layout should work in our favour and they traditionally like chassis that have a boot on – just like my Trade Price Cars Racing Audi S3. We will see where we are after the free practice sessions but I think we will be on the front foot going into the meeting.

“My target is to make progress in the Independents Trophy. I am in with a shot of finishing in the top three of the points and that is going to be on my mind this weekend and at the finale at Brands Hatch. It is going to be tough because there is some strong opposition out there, but I’ve set my heart on it.”

As well as that aim, the win at Knockhill means the points gained have also put Hill in with a chance of bursting into the top 10 overall in the drivers’ championship. That will be another ambition in Northamptonshire.

Hill is also excited to take part in the three rounds this weekend as it will represent the first chance he has had to perform as a full member of the British Racing Drivers Club in BTCC. The BRDC owns the Silverstone circuit and Hill was made an official part of the club this year as a result of his on-track successes.

“I am going to have to resist the chance to wave at the BRDC Clubhouse every time I go past,” joked Hill. “Silverstone is one of the world’s most iconic circuits and to race there is always something very special. To represent the club when I race is a huge honour, and I want to put on a great show for all the other members who will be cheering me on.”

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