BTCC driver Jake Hill: “I wouldn’t have missed Supertouring Power for any reason!”

Local to the stage and currently 3rd in the British Touring Championship, Jake Hill is taking advantage of a weekend without BTCC to take part in the Super Touring Power behind the wheel of Laurent Aiello's ex Nissan Primera GT. Grand slam for him since he won the 4 races contested on the Brands Hatch circuit.

Published on 02/07/2023 à 19:36

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BTCC driver Jake Hill: “I wouldn’t have missed Supertouring Power for any reason!”

Jake how come you are behind a wheel on a non-BTCC weekend?

I'm having a lot of fun. It is a real privilege that Richard Wheeler the owner of these superb Nissan Primera GTs has asked me to take the wheel of one of them for this weekend at Brands Hatch. This is the car with which Laurent Aiello won the title in 1999. It is an honor to be behind the wheel. How can I refuse such an offer, I'm lucky to have this weekend free, I'm in heaven. I wouldn't have missed Supertouring Power for any reason!

What does this era of Supertourism represent for you?

You know when this car was racing I was only 5 years old. But I remember seeing it race because my dad was racing in the Spider Cup at the time Renault British. They were in the BTCC support race. I remember these cars which were truly unique. Driving it today is really special for me.

Jake Hill didn't give anyone a chance to win this weekend. ©FabGerard

What changes the most between these cars and the ones you currently drive?

The weight ! These Supertouring cars are very rigid and super light since they weigh only 950kg. This is very little compared to my BMW which weighs 1350 kg. That's 400 kg of difference so I'll let you imagine the potential of these cars compared to those of today. The car is super precise and the sound of its engine is a real melody. There is nothing better than a 2.0 L naturally aspirated engine.

You have just won the 4 races of the meeting with Aiello's car, do you realize that?

This is the first time the car has been driven since Richard Wheeler purchased it. Putting it on the first step of the podium has a lot of meaning because this car has an incredible pedigree. We are only paying tribute to him.

Jake, apart from the Nissan if you had to choose just one, which one would you take?

I think my heart is set on Paul Radisich's 1994 Ford Mondeo, it's the car from the year I was born. Seeing her on the track had an incredible effect on me. It's a legendary car with this livery and this big Mondeo written on its sides, yes I think I would choose that one.