Racing for the first time at the spectacular Dijon-Prenois Circuit, BRDC ‘Superstar’ Jake Hill shared Simon Watts evocative BMW 3.0 CSL ‘Batmobile’ and Chevron B26 Le Mans prototype in the Peter Auto events, over a scorching weekend at the Burgundy venue.

The pair went on to  take  class Pole Position and Fastest Lap en route to 5th in class in the Classic Endurance Racing event with the Chevron, and battled to a strong 4th overall in the Heritage Touring Cup with the BMW, but both drivers described their weekend as ‘superb fun’ as they raced together for the first time in these machines.

Hill had worked with John Danby Racing and Watts in the pre-season, helping develop an ideal set-up on the 1975 BMW, but was yet to race the car  hence was particularly keen to experience both the Dijon circuit, and the BMW with Watts.

“It’s such an iconic Touring Car, it was so successful in the 70’s especially at events like the Spa 24 hours and also in the IMSA series in America. Of course this year is 50 years of BMW ‘M’ so it’s even more special being able to race it this year – that incredible BMW engine and chassis combination is a joy to drive.”

With the Peter Auto organisers taking a average of Hill and Watts best qualifying time it was vital that both drivers got the maximum out of their laps, Watts setting impressive laps and ensuring that Hill’s 1.27.319 that was second quickest overall, and fastest of the BMW’s meant the pair would set a combined time good enough for P4 overall.

Watts started the 60 minute race on a damp circuit, and battled hard with the fastest Ford Cologne Capri 3100s and other BMW CSLs, bringing the car in at half distance an excellent P4 having lapped 1.8 seconds quicker than qualifying, and timed their mandatory stop superbly. However with Hill ranked as an Elite driver, the organisers imposed an additional 40 seconds to the pitstop time, meaning the 28 year-old emerged in P12.

Charging back into the race with 26 minutes remaining, Hill set ever quicker laps, narrowly missing out on fastest lap overall, and eventually taking a hard-fought P4 overall.

“So much fun! Simon did a brilliant job, really impressive stuff, and the car didn’t miss a beat. We are about 23kmh slower than the Cologne Capris on the straight, so to only be half a second off them and finish the first ‘non-Capri’ together is just fantastic. A huge thanks to Simon for asking me along and the guys at John Danby Racing for preparing the car so well. Hope we can do it again sometime soon!”

Later in the day and with the temperatures rising steadily, the pair switched to Watts’ 1974 Chevron for the Classic Endurance event, once again over 60 minutes, and again with Hill being given the additional 40 seconds to the mandatory stop.

Hill had set Pole Position for the up to 2 litre Prototype class with a 1.19.999, only 0.5 second slower than the 3.0 DFV engined machines  that were 40kmh quicker in a straight line, but again the combined times saw a start of P7 overall this time for the rolling start.

Immediately embroiled in some frantic racing, Watts again lapped faster than in qualifying, and battled with the Osella of Candiani up to the stops, pitting in P8 with Hill then emerging P11 after the stop.

Immediately lapping quickly, Hill ultimately set fastest lap in class with just two laps to go, and continued to charge to the end, eventually bringing the distinctive Orange and Brown machine home P5 in class.

“The car is just so nimble and rewarding to drive. Despite being the oldest car on the grid, and with a big power deficit, we made up for it by being able to be so committed through the quick sweeps here at Dijon, again a superb job by the JDR team in preparing such a strong car.”

“Once again Simon has been brilliant today – this is his best weekend results-wise for him with these cars, and it’s been an absolute honour being able to race with him, especially at such a cool circuit. My Dad’s hero was Gilles Villeneuve, and this circuit is famous for the battle he had with Arnoux here in 1979 – I’ve just been racing THIS circuit in cars from THAT era so that’s really special!”

Hill now once again focusses on his Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship campaign with ROKiT MB Motorsport at Oulton Park next weekend, aiming to continue his strong start to the season which has seen four podiums including a Win at Donington Park so far.

“Back to my regular BMW ‘M’ Car next weekend! One of my favourite circuits, and one that should suit the car. We have been really strong in qualifying so far so if I can continue that form we should be in good shape to score more solid points, and hopefully challenge for more wins”

The two 40 minute BTCC Practice sessions are at 9.45am and 12.25pm next Saturday 11th, with all-important qualifying at 3.30pm – this shown live on itv.com/btcc, with all three of the 15 lap races shown live on ITVHD at 12.20pm, 3.00pm and 5.10pm.

“I have been so lucky racing the BMW and the Chevron this weekend, and Simon’s Panoz at Spa and Mugello, a massive thank you to him for giving me this opportunity. Hope to get back on board again sometime soon…but now time to try and get those BTCC points.”

Images courtesy of Peter Auto.