Mat Jackson tops first BTCC test of 2008
Mat Jackson has started the British Touring Car Championship season in the best possible way with topping the first official test of the year. The test was held at Rockhingham during the annual Media day. Jackson’s best time was 1:24.385, almost two tenths quicker than Colin Turkington who was second fastest.
Reigning champion Fabrizio Giovanardi was third fastest in his Vauxhall Vectra. Stephen Jelley made it a BMW 1-2-4 in fourth place with the time 1:24.789.
18-year-old Andrew Jordan made an impressive debut in his Honda Integra, of BTC-spec regulations, and was fifth quickest.
The all new diesel-SEAT’s of Jason Plato and Darren Turner had a difficult first run on British soil. The engine of Plato’s car suffered from an oil leak and had to remain in the pits for the majority of the day. Team mate Turner put tenths quickest time.
In all, 22 of the 27 drivers registered for this year’s BTCC drove at the test. Those not appearing were Adam Jones (Team Air Cool SEAT Leon), Erkut Kizilirmak (Arkas Racing with Sunshine.co.uk Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch), Michael Doyle (In-Tune Racing Honda Civic Type R) and newcomers Darelle Wilson and Matthew Gore (Team 48 Motorsport Alfa Romeo 156s).
