Joy for Motorbase Performance as team returns to front

The Snetterton weekend saw a turning point in the season for the Motorbase Performance team, who celebrated the first birthday of the NGTC Ford Focus with three podium finishes.

Aron Smith recovered from his qualifying shunt to record a superb third place in race two, backed up by Mat Jackson in fourth.

And Jackson went one better in the final race to take second, with Smith following behind for his second third place of the day.

Both drivers were delighted with the team’s return to form, which comes following a successful Dunlop tyre test at the Norfolk track last month.

Smith was sweating on his participation in race two right up to the last moment, but was able to deliver when it mattered.

Speaking to TouringCarTimes, he said: “The engine had to come out in between race one and two. I was sat in my car when the pitlane opened not thinking we were going to make it.

“To change an engine within an hour is a bloody unbelievable effort. They got it out and the car was just so good. It is like it is on rails.

“Everyone at the team has put a lot into it, and it is the first time we have been at the sharp end battling with the Hondas.”

Asked what had changed on the car, Smith said: “Overall grip. Beforehand I used to look at the other cars and think ‘how the hell are they doing those times?’ – and now we have changed so much. Springs, dampers, cambers, ride heights – everything.

“And all of a sudden it has an infinite amount of grip. It is mental. It tries to pull your face off going round the corners! It is so rewarding to drive it.”

Jackson was equally delighted with how his weekend played out.

He said: “It is a massive relief to deliver the results we have, not just myself but also Aron. It has been fantastic.

“A pretty poor qualifying was frustrating. To be P13 going into race one, it could have gone either way. But the results are testament to these boys’ hard work over the six-week break.

“The whole car is a lot better. We have made some big changes in the right direction. ”

Asked if the team can continue challenging at the front, Jackson said: “That’s the plan. That’s where we should be – we’ve been there every year, and this year has been frustrating not to be anywhere near.

“I think we will be at the front, because we have a car which is not a million miles away. We are nigh on the pace of the Hondas, but the MGs look like they are in a class of their own.

“Our season starts here and rest assured, we will be fighting for those wins.”