Jelley hopes upturn will continue on fastest track

TEAM BMW driver Stephen Jelley heads to Thruxton for the second time this season in the British Touring Car Championship, optimistic about continuing his run of podium finishes.

The Leicestershire-based racer claimed a second place at Oulton Park before the summer break and followed up with third at Knockhill just over a week ago, climbing to eighth in the Drivers’ Championship, just 25 points behind team-mate Colin Turkington in third position.

Jelley opened the season at the Hampshire venue – the fastest in

the UK – but a broken gear linkage cost him in qualifying and despite making up 16 places in race two to put himself in contention for the final contest, mixed weather conditions caused his wet tyres to overheat, dropping him down the final order.

After taking time with his lead engineer, Andy Miller, to best understand the intricacies of the BMW 330i M Sport he races with West Surrey Racing this season, the pair came up with a good baseline setup ahead of the Oulton Park weekend, which has coincided with an upswing in performances.

Jelley and his team-mates will head out on track for two 60-minute free practice sessions on Saturday, before qualifying at 3.25pm, with live streaming available on ITV’s BTCC website.

The first of three 16-lap contests is set for 11.40am on Sunday, followed up at 2.15pm and 5.35pm, with live coverage available throughout the day on ITV4.

Jelley said: “It will be interesting going back to Thruxton with half a season’s worth of experience in the BMW 330i M Sport.

“The car is handling more to my liking, so all things are pointing towards a good weekend.”