Motorbase confident of showing pace at Donington Park

The Motorbase Performance team are confident of a competitive showing at their happy hunting ground of Donington Park this weekend.

Mat Jackson has won twice for the team at the Leicestershire circuit, in 2011 and 2012, and the Kent-based squad is hopeful setup changes made in the three-week gap since Brands Hatch will pay off.

The team’s best result at their home race was seventh for Jackson in the third race, although he was running well in race one before an altercation with former team-mate Aron Smith.

Jackson said: “We’re in good shape. We have a few things to try, but it’s more about building on what we already have this season rather than shooting from hip. The podium should be within reach this weekend, that’s where we need to be and we’re in a lot better position. I’m feeling confident and Donington will hopefully prove to be a good event for us.”

Team-mate Fabrizio Giovanardi continues to familiarise himself with the latest specification of British touring car, and is also making confident noises ahead of the weekend.

He said:  “We had a big analysis of the car after Brands Hatch and with the changes we have made for the set-up we should have a much more balanced car – especially in qualifying where we need to make the biggest improvement. If you can get out in front in qualifying then that is 80% of the work done.

“I am aiming for podiums this weekend and to come away with points. If a win comes then that is great, but if it doesn’t that is also ok. I’m quite far away from the top at the moment but it’s a long championship, we are only in the second weekend.”

Newcomer Jack Clarke took three top 20 finishes on a solid debut weekend in the BTCC. He said: “We showed a positive rate of improvement during the opening three races and I am looking forward to continue and maintain that into Donington.”

Team manager Oly Collins said: “Brands Hatch proved to be very close between all of the teams and we’re confident that we’ll be competitive at Donington from what we saw last time out. We came out of Brands relatively comfortable which has enabled us to do some more work on car set-up in the short break between and hopefully it’ll pay dividends.

“Donington is a great circuit which can really show all aspects of the car with lots of high and medium speed corners with some heavy braking areas too. I think it will suit the Motorbase Focus ST and we hope to open up our silverware account this weekend.”