Hill’s best effort in vain

Jake Hill was demoted to the back of the British Touring Car Championship grid after producing a career-best qualifying performance at Donington Park on Saturday. Goudhurst’s Team HARD VW CC racer, 23, recorded a lap time good enough for sixth position but it was ruled out by officials in scrutineering. They found the angle on the rear wing of Hill’s car was outside the permitted alignment within the regulations, scuppering his chances in the races on Sunday. Hill said: “We know the rear wing angle makes no difference to performance of the car but the rules are strict. “I was gutted, of course, as we had been flying and the car suited the circuit. “The car was just awesome and I knew we were there on genuine pace.” Hill was forced to retire from race one after contact with Martin Depper broke his suspension. His chances of a points-scoring finish in race two were then ruined when a pipe to the turbo come loose, sending his car into limp mode. In race three, Hill went from 26th to 11th, finishing behind Senna Proctor’s Vauxhall Astra on used tyres. Hill added: “I am so pleased to have salvaged something from a weekend that promised so much. “I am sure a podium at least would have been possible but we worked hard and to get points again is pleasing. “We head to Thruxton next and we are testing there this week so we should be in good shape to build on the promise shown here. “I am more determined than ever and know that when things go to plan we will get the results we are working towards.”

The next round of the British Touring Car Championship will be held at Thruxton on May 6-7.