Jake Hill says he is ‘more ready than ever’ as the delayed 2020 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship gets underway at Donington Park this weekend, where he takes to the track in his Honda Civic Type-R for the first time in anger.
“We have had a really productive testing programme, and the car is every bit as good as I hoped. My engineer Craig (Porley) and the rest of the team have done a superb job, and of course as a team they are the current Independent team and drivers champions, so they all know what it takes to succeed.
“It’s been really tough during the pandemic to keep a positive dialogue going with all of our partners, but they have been fantastic, incredibly supportive and are all as excited about the season started as I am.
“Of course its going to be a strange atmosphere with none of the fantastic BTCC fans allowed to attend, and similarly not having VIP Hospitality and Grid Walks – I’m gutted that we can’t have at least some people there. However just to be racing – and have the amazing coverage from ITVHD – it’s still going to be fantastic to be part of it.
“I’ve made no secret that this is my best chance for success since I started in the BTCC. I’ve now done almost four seasons, taken my first win last year, and competed in over 100 races. So I feel ready to challenge for wins regularly, and that and consistency which I had last year – I scored points at every event – mean there’s no reason why I can’t have a serious go at the Independent Championship, and do better than ever overall.
Hill and team-mate Sam Osborne will take their distinctive MB Motorsport machines on track for free practice on Saturday (1st) at 9.30am and 12.10pm, then all-important qualifying will take place at 15.20pm – shown live on line at itv.com/btcc.
Sunday’s races are each 16 laps and take place at 11.10am, 1.30pm and 5.25pm, with these and all the support race action shown LIVE on ITV4HD.
“It’s been a long wait, but I know it’s going to be worth it. I am properly excited now! smiled Hill.
Images courtesy of www.pspimages.co.uk