Jake Hill delights in ‘very good weekend’ at Snetterton

MB Motorsport’s Jake Hill had a ‘very good weekend’ in the British Touring Car Championship at Snetterton, as he picked up a further 45 points in his title push and scored two more podium finishes.

Hill went into the meeting on a high after a career-best weekend at Knockhill, and he continued his form in Norfolk.

The 28-year-old was the top BMW driver in both of Saturday’s practice sessions, including topping FP2 outright, but he was beaten to the top time in qualifying by team-mate Colin Turkington by a margin of just 0.065 seconds.

Hill then followed Turkington home in the first two races on Sunday – despite pushing Turkington hard on the opening lap of the second encounter – before finishing fifth in the reversed-grid final race, this time ahead of title rival Turkington.

Hill has thus moved to third overall in the drivers’ championship, 24 points from the top of the table with nine races left to run.

“This weekend was incredibly tough in the heat, not only for us drivers but for the teams and the cars also,” said Hill.

“I always feel anything over 40 points is a good weekend and I’ve bagged 45 here after my 59 at Knockhill, so it’s a very good weekend.

“Colin’s just had the edge on me this weekend, but overall I’m still very pleased as we really have done very well.

“I’ve had five podiums in a row, which I’ve never done before in my BTCC career, so that’s another highlight for me.

“The BMW was in a good window all weekend and a pair of one-twos is obviously very good for WSR and BMW. We’re right there in the title fight with three rounds to go, so it’s definitely all to play for.”

Mark Blundell, Sporting Director at MB Motorsport, praised both Hill and the WSR team for their performances at the weekend.

“Jake and the team showed their class this weekend, in what was probably the most challenging weekend for man and machine in recent times,” added Blundell.

“Jake was on form from the word go and the results this weekend reflect that. Every round he’s progressed up the championship order which just highlights his and the team’s efforts this season!

“I’d also like to congratulate WSR on their third consecutive pole position, a brace of one-two finishes, and a fantastic weekend all round.”