Motorbase Performance heads to Northamptonshire this coming weekend ready to resume its title bid as the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship gets back underway at Rockingham Speedway (August 27/28).
The Kent-based squad arrives at the oval circuit in winning form with an impressive 95 point lead at the top of the Independent Teams’ Standings after celebrating its fifth race win of the season at Knockhill just two weeks ago.
Andrew Jordan’s 100% point scoring weekend in Scotland saw the Red Bull athlete extend his lead at the top of the Independent Drivers’ Standings to a comfortable 25 points, while Mat Jackson’s incredible defensive drive in the final race of the weekend boosted the Duo-backed driver up into second place with his fourth win of the season.
“After a great showing last time out, we’re keen to pick up where we left off at Knockhill;” commented Team Manager Oly Collins. “The Championship is still very open and the simple target for this weekend is to strengthen our position. We’re leading the Independent Teams’ Standings along with a 1-2 in the Independent Drivers’ Championship so hopefully we can increase that lead as well as build on our position in the Overall Standings.”
The Northamptonshire track holds good memories for the Motorbase squad, with the team visiting the rostrum numerous times in past seasons. Last season however marked a very special moment in the team’s history with Mat Jackson claiming the Wrotham-based outfit’s maiden BTCC pole position with a record-breaking qualifying performance in the Ford Focus ST - before going on to claim the opening race win and a further 2nd placed podium.“The car has been very strong and we're positive going into this weekend;” added Collins. “Rockingham is a great venue and another challenging track which couldn't be any more different than Knockhill. We've gone well here in the past, but that’s in the past, hopefully we'll go well again this weekend.
“Both Mat and Andrew are well up for it, that’s for sure!”
Rounds 22, 23 & 24 of the 2016 BTCC season take place at Knockhill circuit on August 27/28. Live coverage of Sunday's events will be shown on ITV4, itv.com and also in HD from 10:45 – 17:45; with itv.com featuring live streaming online of Saturday's qualifying session between 15:30 – 16:00.
Driver Quotes:
#7 Driver Mat Jackson: “We had a great weekend at Rockingham last year but things are different this time around. We have 39kg on board to contend with which throws up new challenges but that being said, the car is clearly working well and I fully expect us to be in the mix again.
“We’re in a great position in the Independents’ Standings for both the teams and drivers and it’s all about points and consistency now as the season enters the last three rounds. The usual suspects will all be there, we just need to make sure that we keep pushing and aiming for that top step.”
#77 Driver Andrew Jordan:“Realistically the overall Championship is out of our reach now so we need to put all of our focus on the Independents Championship. We need three strong finishes at Rockingham this weekend to keep the pressure on.
“Rockingham’s a unique place; it’s a fast circuit with lots of opportunities for overtaking but one that’s hard on the tyres so as a driver there’s a lot you can do to help with the tyres and set-up. We’ve had some great results here in the past, with two race wins in a day back in 2013. We have the pace in the car; hopefully a change in fortunes will give us the lift we need and we can get back on to the podium.”
