“Ready for anything” is how Kent’s Jake Hill describes his approach to the final round of the 2021 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, at his ‘home’ circuit, Brands Hatch.
Hill is still very much part of the Championship title fight lying in 4th place overall, 45 points behind leader Ashley Sutton.
Hill from Platt’s Heath near Maidstone has enjoyed a superb debut season with the Kent-based Motorbase Performance squad, his #24 Ford Focus ST has carrying him to 2 Wins, 6 Manufacturer Constructor wins and 9 Podiums so far, plus fastest lap at Silverstone and 20 top-ten finishes.
“It’s just been incredible. I have just loved being part of the Motorbase squad, and the Focus and the Mountune engine have provided me with a superb package that’s been competitive everywhere.”
“To have taken more podium finishes than anyone so far, and have been fighting for Wins everywhere has been brilliant. A huge thanks to everyone involved, and it means I go to the final round still in with a shout of becoming British Touring Car Champion.”
“If you’d offered me the season we’ve had so far prior to round one I’d have bitten your hand off! Ultimately I can only focus on my own job, so will go all-out to try and qualify as well as possible and get on the podium again.”
“Honestly I feel that Pole Position and a Win is achievable, and who knows what the weather will do in Kent in late October – that could be a massive factor”
Hill will take part in a shakedown session on Friday afternoon, before taking part in the two free practice sessions on Saturday at 9.40am and 12pm, prior to the vital 30 minute qualifying session at 3pm, shown live on line as always on itv.com/btcc
The season finale will see the first of the 15 lap races on the sweeps of the 2.6 mile Grand Prix Circuit at 11.30am, with race two at 2.15pm and the final race at 5.30pm, all shown live on ITV4HD.
“If there was one track we could be finishing the season it would be here. I absolutely love this place and feel I can make the difference – so will be absolutely giving it my all…this is the BTCC and anything can happen, so I will be fighting to the very last lap of the last race of the year. Whatever happens, I have loved it!”
BTCC Championship Points after Round 27
(Ballast for Round 28 Qualifying and Race)
1 – Ashley Sutton – 316 (75kgs)
2 – Colin Turkington – 284 (66kgs)
3 – Tom Ingram – 278 (57kgs)
4 – Jake Hill – 271 (48kgs)
5 – Josh Cook – 250 (39kgs)
6 – Rory Butcher – 231 (33kgs)
7 – Aiden Moffat – 222 (27kgs)
8 – Gordon Shedden – 211 (21kgs)
9 – Senna Proctor – 188 (15kgs)
10 – Daniel Rowbottom – 182 (9kgs)
Goodyear ‘Wingfoot’ Award (For Best Qualifier) – After 9 Rounds
1 – Colin Turkington – 106
2 – Rory Butcher – 95
3 – Jake Hill – 90
4 – Daniel Rowbottom – 84
5 – Josh Cook – 83
6 – Ashley Sutton – 78