Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport endured a tough weekend in the second round of the 2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch Indy Circuit.
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 to the Kent circuit 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 6th 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 3rd 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 4th 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 P2 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 we head to Snetterton (25 - 26 May) for the third round of the 2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship.
Jake Hill shared his thoughts from the weekend.
"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!"
Mark Blundell added.
"Despite the setbacks of this weekend, all of the team remains motivated and hungry to get back to fighting at the front of the field. It was a challenging trip to Brands Hatch, and now our focus is on improvement and coming back even stronger. Everyone within the team is highly motivated to bounce back at Snetterton and I'm confident in the abilities of all the team to get us back at the front of the field."
