The wait is almost over for Jake Hill as the opening round of the 2023 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship gets underway at Donington Park this weekend. 

After a great deal of anticipation and an incredibly busy off-season period for the team, all eyes can now be cast on the season itself with another campaign of dramatic wheel-to-wheel action set to get underway. Entering the new campaign in optimistic mood, changes to the Hybrid system and the return of the option tyre have given the teams and drivers additional food for thought during the close season. 

After a successful period of pre-season testing and a strong performance in the BTCC season official launch day last week, the preparation is almost complete and the spotlight is on Jake Hill, who cannot wait to get racing again behind the wheel of the WSR-run BMW 330e M Sport.

Jake heads into the season full of confidence off the back of a career best season in 2022 where he finished third in the driver’s championship and won the Goodyear Wingfoot Award, as the series’ top qualifier over the course of the season.

Donington Park has also been a happy hunting ground in the past. During the opening weekend last season Jake achieved pole position during qualifying, setting a new lap record in the process. He also went on to take victory in race three, once again setting a new race lap record. He’ll no doubt be hoping to replicate that form this weekend as he flies the Laser Tools racing flag for the first time competitively. 

The on track action will begin at 09:30 on Saturday with the first of two free practice sessions, with the second one following at 12:15. Qualifying for the opening race takes place later that afternoon at 15:40. 

Speaking ahead of the weekend, Hill said: “Honestly, I can’t wait to get back out there and get the season underway. Everything has gone smoothly in pre-season. It’s my second season in the BMW 330e M Sport and that is the first time in my touring car career that I’ve gone into a season with a year’s worth of knowledge and experience in the car underneath me. 

“It is a new chapter for the team and I as we get our Laser Tools Racing journey underway and I hope we can start the season as we mean to go on. Historically, things have gone well for me here at Donington so if everything goes to plan, I’m confident that this weekend will be a successful one.” 

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