Photo: MB Motorsport

Jake Hill keen to raise his game in 2020

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Jake Hill has vowed to raise his game when the 2020 British Touring Car Championship kicks off this weekend at Donington Park and show he can be a regular contender at the front of the field.

Hill secured his maiden win in the series last season in a Trade Price Cars Racing Audi S3, and switches to the newly-renamed MB Motorsport squad for the new season eager to add to his tally.

Now armed with the Honda Civic Type R, Hill has been quick throughout pre-season testing and said it was now time to take the step up to the next level and consistently challenge for silverware.

“Last year was a fantastic one for me and I owe a big thanks to the team at Trade Price Cars and everyone who supported me,” he said. “Up until then, I felt like I had only had the opportunity to show glimpses of what I could do behind the wheel of a BTCC car. Last year gave me a consistent platform to show what I could do and I think the benefit of that was clear to see.

“I’ve said it before though – this year is different for me. I’ve got proven championship-winning machinery underneath me and now is the time for me to take that next step in my BTCC career. I’ve got to go from the guy who everyone talks up as one of the grid’s promising youngsters to a proven and consistent contender, fighting it out at the front of the field each week.”

Despite his pace in testing however, Hull said it was important to not get carried away head into the Donington Park season opener.

“You never really know what anyone else is up to in testing so you can’t read too much into it all,” he said. “We know we are in a good place but race weekend is a completely different beast and I know I am going to have to be really on it against an incredibly strong grid this year.

“I feel like every year I’ve been in the BTCC, we’ve taken a step forward and this year has to be our biggest yet. I’m stepping into big shoes in terms of the Independent Teams’ and Drivers’ Champions and there are plenty who are looking really strong this year. I’m confident and raring to go and feel like I have everything in me and around me to make this year the most memorable yet.”