Tom Jackson was out on track at Brands Hatch at the official launch of the 2014 season as he looks to get his BRDCF4 season up and running.

The season and the preparations for the first race weekend really now begin to get underway and that means it is full steam ahead for Silverstone at the end of April.

Speaking to Kent Sports News, Tom said: “I have done one test already at Snetterton which we felt was a great success. We turned up and there was another car running that was there the day before and we went out and was as quick as, and we were quite happy with that on my first ever test.

“Today was great as we have quite a lot of media here and just to see the whole team here and my manager, it gives me a good feel of the environment that I am going to be racing in during the year, so it is a great step for 2014.”

It was the first time for around three months that the sun had actually shone which meant that Tom get out and give the car an all dry set-up run for one of the first times.

He added: “It is great to be out in the dry, not just for me to have fun in the car but also the media don’t really want dark gloomy pictures, so it is good for them. I would also like to do some wet testing just in case it does rain at a race. The sun is out and I just can’t wait to get out, I am buzzing.”

This is the first time that Tom has stepped into a single seater car to race a full season and with such a competitive field he knows it is going to be a tough season.

“So far the grid is looking competitive, obviously my aim is to go out there and do the best I possibly can with what I have got, as I have always tried to do.

“The main aim of the season is to get in the car and progress, especially for the first two rounds then after that try and get into the top six of the championship and stay there. That will set me up nicely for my 2015 title bid then.”

It is a new car for Tom this season and he has already noticed so many things that are different between it and the Ginetta’s that he used to race.

He said: “Oh my god it is so much quicker than the Ginetta’s. It is completely different not just looking but driving style. You also have to take into account the aerodynamics and everything which is an element of the set-up which can really help with how the car handles.

“It is just amazing to drive and when you have got it perfectly set-up it just feels like the car is stuck to the ground, it is awesome. As the Ginetta Junior is a tin top and it is quite heavy, and it has no aerodynamic support you have to use the brakes a lot more to help turn in.

“Whereas in the F4 you can hit so much harder initially because you know the wheels won’t lock up and then you bleed out very quickly, so it is the complete juxtaposition of the braking style of the Ginetta Juniors.

“It has taken some time to get used to and with the steering input you have to be a lot more positive. It is just one positive turn whereas in Ginetta Juniors you have to hold it smoothly to carry the speed because it doesn’t have much power. With F4 it has the power, aerodynamic grip and great brakes so it is a lot trickier to drive.”

Jackson was extremely keen to get behind the wheel and be able to take his new machine out around the turns of his home track Brands Hatch.

He added: “It is my home track and I have some family and friends coming down to have a look, it will be the first time they have seen the car, as when I have been testing I have been away.

“I think there will be a great vibe and excitement around my car and my season this year. I think having a good package is what you need behind every driver not just going to a new championship but with people supporting you it gives you a great psychological advantage.

“You know that you are good enough and there are people there to help you through it and with Glenn from Advance and all the work he is doing as well as my dad. I think it has really come together this year and I am in quite a good position to have a good go at the Championship this year and maybe next year as well.”

Pictures supplied by http://www.psp-images.co.uk/