"A fantastic first day' was how BRDC 'Superstar' Jake Hill described a cold but ultimately dry days running today at Donington Park, his first in the MB Motorsport Honda Civic Type-R he will campaign in the 2020 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship.
Hill and team-mate Sam Osborne began the day on a slippery circuit, with Hill delighted at how faultlessly his car ran straight 'out of the box".
"The team have done an impeccable job preparing the car. It has run perfectly all day, with no 'teething troubles' whatsoever. Other than some minor adjustments to the seating position I couldn't have asked for more".
After lunch as the circuit dried fully, Hill and Osborne worked through a thorough programme, with Hill and the team making several changes and completing plenty of laps with nothing other than a lock-up at turn one causing concern.
"My bad! admittedly Hill sheepishly "Pushing a bit too hard on cold tyres saw me go straight on at Redgate. No harm done though!"
Whilst ultimate lap times were not the target, Hill set his personal fastest ever lap time at Donington Park in a BTCC car, but was most pleased with the feel of the Honda Civic Type-R.
"Wow, what a fantastic car! I can now understand why this car has been so successful in every year since its debut. It does everything so well, and having now driven half a dozen BTCC cars - some good, some less good - I now know what a championship winning car feels like. For a first day it's been mega, I have loved working with my engineer Craig, and the boys on my car Ben, Charlie, Mick, Dan and Chazz - and I know we will only get better as I understand the car more. I can't wait to get back out in the car again at Brands (next test day in March)".
Hill will be back in action at Brands Hatch on 10th March, before joining the full 2020 Kwik Fit BTCC grid for the Season Launch at Silverstone on 17th March.
"We have some incredible partners who have made this programme possible. I am so excited to see what we can all achieve together. Based on day one, I think it's gonna be a lot of fun!"
Hill and team-mate Sam Osborne began the day on a slippery circuit, with Hill delighted at how faultlessly his car ran straight 'out of the box".
"The team have done an impeccable job preparing the car. It has run perfectly all day, with no 'teething troubles' whatsoever. Other than some minor adjustments to the seating position I couldn't have asked for more".
After lunch as the circuit dried fully, Hill and Osborne worked through a thorough programme, with Hill and the team making several changes and completing plenty of laps with nothing other than a lock-up at turn one causing concern.
"My bad! admittedly Hill sheepishly "Pushing a bit too hard on cold tyres saw me go straight on at Redgate. No harm done though!"
Whilst ultimate lap times were not the target, Hill set his personal fastest ever lap time at Donington Park in a BTCC car, but was most pleased with the feel of the Honda Civic Type-R.
"Wow, what a fantastic car! I can now understand why this car has been so successful in every year since its debut. It does everything so well, and having now driven half a dozen BTCC cars - some good, some less good - I now know what a championship winning car feels like. For a first day it's been mega, I have loved working with my engineer Craig, and the boys on my car Ben, Charlie, Mick, Dan and Chazz - and I know we will only get better as I understand the car more. I can't wait to get back out in the car again at Brands (next test day in March)".
Hill will be back in action at Brands Hatch on 10th March, before joining the full 2020 Kwik Fit BTCC grid for the Season Launch at Silverstone on 17th March.
"We have some incredible partners who have made this programme possible. I am so excited to see what we can all achieve together. Based on day one, I think it's gonna be a lot of fun!"
