Ollie Jackson re-signs with AmDTuning.com

Ollie Jackson is to remain with AmDTuning.com for the 2017 BTCC season after extending his agreement with the Audi team into a second season.

Jackson, who made his full BTCC debut with the team back in 2012, returned to the series last year having taken a year out to compete in the Ginetta GT4 Supercup in 2015.

The 32-year-old ended the year as a regular contender for points finishes at the wheel of his Audi S3, which is now set to be converted over the off-season to run RML-spec parts – having been one of a handful of cars still using GPRM components last year.

With the continuity of staying with a team for a second straight season for the first time in his touring car career, Jackson said he was excited about what 2017 may hold, with regular points being the first target.

“I really enjoyed this season with the team so I’m delighted that we’ve been able to get the deal done to early to allow us to start working on 2017,” he said. “I’m really excited about what next year could hold for us, and I have no doubt that this deal gives me the best chance I’ve ever had in the BTCC.

“This year we showed that we had a competitive package with the Audi, even though the fact we didn’t have the upgraded suspension worked against us at some circuits. With the upgrades that will now be carried out, and the knowledge and experience we have, I’m hopeful that we can be in a strong position when the season starts and be able to challenge for points from round one, with the ultimate goal being to push for the top ten. That won’t be easy as everyone is working on developments and improvements, but there is a huge amount of potential in the Audi that we were unlocking throughout 2016.

“The fact we’ll be able to do some proper pre-season testing is going to be key, and is something I haven’t been able to do before as my deals have always been quite last minute. Now the deal is done, I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel and get started.”

Team boss Shaun Hollamby meanwhile revealed that the team was still hoping to add a second car alongside Jackson if a TBL becomes available.

“The continuity of sticking with Ollie is something we felt was key after a strong second half of the year, and it’s great to have the deal done,” he said. “Given the way this season ended, we are keen to make sure we hit the ground running when the 2017 campaign comes around and try to build on what we achieved together this year.

“Making the move to the RML kit is something we knew we had to do for next season and those upgrades will soon be carried out before we start testing and the real work begins.

“There is still the possibility that we may be able to run a second car alongside Ollie if certain things fall into place but it is out of our hands at the moment and very much a case of wait and see.”