Jake Hill: “We were all aboard the struggle bus”

Jake Hill was left somewhat frustrated this past weekend after enduring a challenging three races in the British Touring Car Championship at Thruxton.

Highlighting a straight-line speed deficit that his BMW 330i M Sport has against rival cars, the reigning champion dug deep around the high-speed Hampshire venue to tally a brace of top-five finishes.

Hill produced a gutsy lap during a rain-soaked qualifying session on Saturday to clinch eighth on the grid for race one.

The West Surrey Racing driver then moved up to sixth in the opening encounter before going one better in race two. Starting on the second row of the grid for the finale, Hill made hit the front as the lights went out and then became embroiled in an almighty scrap with Dan Rowbottom.

Dropping to second, Hill’s would eventually make contact with Ash Sutton at Noble Corner which forced him to make an unscheduled visit to the pit lane.

“We’ve been all aboard the struggle bus this weekend; all four of us,” said the rear-wheel-drive ace after the weekend.

“The BMW was okay in all three races, but it’s been hard to race against some of the other cars due to the straight-line speed deficit we have to them.

“The chassis felt good in the high-speed sections, but on the straights it was tough. I can’t wait for Oulton Park.”