Team Hard have confirmed that BRDC Rising Star Jake Hill will be joining the team for a full season in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship for 2016.

The 22-year old will become the second driver for the Rochester based team in the RCIB Insurance Racing Toyota Avensis, and teammate to Chris Smiley.

Kent-based Hill made his BTCC debut race at Croft in 2013, winning the Jack Sears Trophy, also racing at the final meeting at Brands Hatch in both 2013 and 2015. Having impressed in the handful of races he has done so far, Hill is delighted to have now secured a full-time drive in the UK’s premier series thanks to the support of RCIB Insurance.

Speaking about the opportunity Hill said: “I am so excited to have been given this fantastic opportunity thanks to Tony Gilham at Team HARD, RCIB Insurance and of course our long-term supporters Sportif Motor Group and our other fantastic partners.

“I have loved the BTCC races I’ve done so far and now hope I can show what I can do with a full programme – my first in any series since 2011 – now I’m gearing up for the media day in a couple of weeks and testing soon.”

Team Owner Tony Gilham has long been a fan of Hill’s and is excited at the prospect of him joining the team.

He said: “With Jake joining Chris Smiley, we have one of the most exciting pairings of young talent in the series. As soon as it became apparent we were in a position to run a second car then Jake was my absolute first choice.

“I really couldn’t have asked for a better line-up, and having seen how quick Jake is in everything he’s ever raced so far, it’s fantastic to finally have him as part of our family.”

Hill will begin testing soon and will run at the BTCC media day at Donington Park on 22 March, before further running leading up to the series opener at Brands Hatch on Easter weekend, both Hill and Team HARD’s home circuit.

He said: “Both the team and I are based in Kent so I know we will have lots of local support, especially from family and friends, which makes things even more special. I really can’t thank everyone who has helped make this happen enough – I just can’t wait to get started!”

Mike Joseph Managing Director of RCIB Insurance enthused: “Jake is a great young prospect and we had many people asking us to help him get a drive, it’s exciting to be part of this reborn team and we believe the team can surprise a few people this year and be competitive. We love working with the guys at Team HARD and have enjoyed working together since they first entered BTCC.”