As the curtain falls on the 2020 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, MB Motorsport accelerated by Blue Square are prepared to do battle one final time around the high-speed Brands Hatch Indy circuit.
A highly successful maiden campaign in the BTCC has seen the squad claim its first Independent Teams’ victory alongside five overall podium finishes.
Heading to his home circuit, Jake Hill lays fifth in the Independent Drivers’ standings on 241 points with the top-four well within reach. His excellent form in qualifying across the season, in which he’s qualified inside the top-ten at every round, also means he occupies fourth place in the Goodyear Wingfoot Award. The 26-year-old hopes to add more silverware to his collection during the remaining three races of the season.
Sam Osborne has also enjoyed a successful season with four Jack Sears Trophy victories to his name. In the JST standings, the 27-year-old sits in fourth place with 278 points, only 25 behind leader Michael Crees meaning it’s all to play for as the racing gets underway this weekend. He also sits 14th in the Independent Drivers’ table on 81 points.
In the Independent Teams’ championship, MB Motorsport accelerated by Blue Square hold firm in sixth place on 259 points with the top-five within touching distance.
Descending upon Brands Hatch for the second time this season, the circuit’s 1.198-mile Indy circuit hosts the curtain-closing rounds of the championship. With lap times typically under 50 seconds, the track is fast and unforgiving with grass and gravel ready to punish drivers at a moment’s notice. It also holds happy memories for the team’s Honda Civic Type R, which took Independent Teams’ victory at the Kent circuit in 2019.
The weekend looks set to be a memorable affair too for MB Motorsport accelerated by Blue Square’s Official Development Driver, Esmee Hawkey. As her campaign in Porsche Carrera Cup GB also winds down, she needs just one point to secure the Pro-Am championship. The 22-year-old has thoroughly impressed throughout the season, storming to nine wins, 13 podiums and six pole positions in class - putting her a cut above the rest.
Shaun Hollamby, Team Principal, MB Motorsport accelerated by Blue Square:
“It’s been a great season for us all here at MB Motorsport accelerated by Blue Square and I’m looking forward to ending it on a high this weekend. The team have worked incredibly hard all season long to ensure we can race on under circumstances like no other. We’ll be spurring Jake on for more podiums and giving Sam our full support as he makes his final push for the Jack Sears Trophy.”
Mark Blundell, Sporting Director, MB Motorsport accelerated by Blue Square:
“I can’t believe we’ve reached the end of our debut season in the BTCC already, we’ve had some real success this year and we’ll be aiming to round it out in similar fashion. I’d like to say a huge thank you to all of our partners and fans for their continued support in what’s been a challenging year for us all. I hope we can make you proud as we take to the track for the final time this year.”
Jake Hill, #24 MB Motorsport accelerated by Blue Square Honda Civic Type R:
“As a team our performance has increased as each race has gone by. Scoring our first Independent Teams’ win at Snetterton was proof of that and of all the effort the team have put in to making this season a great one. I love Brands Hatch, it’s my home circuit and it holds a lot of fond memories for me so I can’t wait to get on track on Saturday morning.”
Sam Osborne, #4 MB Motorsport accelerated by Blue Square Honda Civic Type R:
“It’s a real shame the season is coming to an end this weekend as I’ve really enjoyed it. There’s been ups and downs but I feel I’ve learnt a lot as a driver and worked really well with the team. The fight at the front is still on in the Jack Sears Trophy and I’ll be giving it everything I’ve got - I’m excited for the challenge!”
Esmee Hawkey, MB Motorsport accelerated by Blue Square, Official Development Driver:
“This has been my best season yet and I’ve loved every second of it, I’ve grown so much as a racer and have had some great experiences all through the year. I’m not popping the champagne just yet as we know nothing is ever guaranteed in racing but I’m feeling pretty confident about how the weekend will go. It would be quite special to win the championship at my home circuit - it’s just such a shame that we can’t have all of our fans there with us but we’ll still make sure we put on a good show.”
