Jake Hill endured a challenging weekend at his home round of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch.

Hill and his Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport and their WSR-run BMW 330e M Sport made the trip to the shortest circuit on the calendar, Brands Hatch Indy, and headed there with the aim to continue the podium scoring form from Donington Park two weeks prior. 

Beginning the second round of the season on Saturday with the weekend’s two practice sessions, Jake Hill finished the two practices in sixth and 10th place respectively as preparations for race day and qualifying began. 

Heading into qualifying, Jake would have to battle a reduction of hybrid deployment due to his third place championship position and the impact of Jake’s lack of hybrid was evident in qualifying as he had to settle for twelfth on the grid. 

The opening race day of the season got off to a blistering start as Jake got a fantastic launch of the line and was instantly on the attack in Sunday’s opening race. Continuing to show great pace and pulling off brave overtakes, Jake made brilliant progress as he rose the order from 12th on the grid to 5th place at the chequered flag – with Jake being promoted to fourth after a post-race penalty was handed out. 

Replicating his strong start from race one, Jake was again on the front foot as he moved himself up to the podium positions in the opening laps. Continuing his charge towards the front, Jake found himself running second when he was locked in a fierce battle with his rivals. 

Unfortunately for Jake, he found himself on the receiving end of several hard hits from rivals and eventually was forced into retirement from the race with damaged steering.

That result put him on the back row for race three, but he came through to 12th to round out a turbulent day at Brands Hatch. 

Jake now departs Brands Hatch 4th in the Drivers’ Championship with 59 points, as they head to Snetterton for the third round of the season.

Speaking after a challenging weekend, Hill said: “It’s been a tough weekend at Brands Hatch but sometimes they happen so we need to learn and improve for the remainder of the season.

“We struggled for pace all weekend, so we need to work hard to find the answer to it. Despite the results, a huge thank you to everyone Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport for giving everything.

“Chin up, and now we move on to Snetterton which has been a happy hunting ground for us in the past!” 

Images courtesy of https://psp-images.photoshelter.com