Ollie Jackson will remain with the AmD tuning squad for the 2017 British Touring Car Championship season, marking the first time that he has remained with the same team for two consecutive years in his five seasons in the championship
The 32-year-old took six points finishes in the 2015 campaign on his way to 26th overall in the championship standings.
Jackson hopes that continuity will help him and AmD to achieve stronger results with their Audi S3 in 2017, as they make the upgrade to RML NGTC-spec components.
“I really enjoyed this season with the team so I’m delighted that we’ve been able to get the deal done so early to allow us to start working on 2017,” said Jackson. “I’m really excited about what next year could hold for us, and I have no doubt that this deal gives me the best chance I’ve ever had in the BTCC.
“This year we showed that we had a competitive package with the Audi, even though the fact we didn’t have the upgraded suspension worked against us at some circuits.
“With the upgrades that will now be carried out, and the knowledge and experience we have, I’m hopeful that we can be in a strong position when the season starts and be able to challenge for points from round one, with the ultimate goal being to push for the top ten.
“That won’t be easy as everyone is working on developments and improvements, but there is a huge amount of potential in the Audi that we were unlocking throughout 2016.”
With the deal being announced just one month after the end of the 2016 season, Jackson is hopeful of being able to make the most of winter testing opportunities.
“The fact we’ll be able to do some proper pre-season testing is going to be key, and is something I haven’t been able to do before as my deals have always been quite last minute. Now the deal is done, I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel and get started.”
AmD Tuning Team Principal Shaun Hollamby is also looking forward to having continuity with Jackson, marking the first time since he gave up the driving seat that his team is enjoying driver continuity.
“The continuity of sticking with Ollie is something we felt was key after a strong second half of the year, and it’s great to have the deal done,” added Hollamby. “Given the way this season ended, we are keen to make sure we hit the ground running when the 2017 campaign comes around and try to build on what we achieved together this year.
“Making the move to the RML kit is something we knew we had to do for next season and those upgrades will soon be carried out before we start testing and the real work begins.
“Of course it wouldn’t be possible without the support of our sponsors, and we’re thankful that that ongoing support has allowed us to commit the resources required to upgrade the Audi and give us the best chance of success on track.
“There is still the possibility that we may be able to run a second car alongside Ollie if certain things fall into place but it is out of our hands at the moment and very much a case of wait and see.”