The British Touring Car Championship gets under way at Donington Park this weekend and Platts Heath’s Jake Hill could be in for another title battle - if pre-season testing is anything to go by.

Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport driver Hill has finished third in the last two years but doubled his career win tally last term with six victories.

He faces a formidable foe in defending and four-time champion Ash Sutton, who won the title in 2023 for Wrotham-based Motorbase Performance NAPA Racing. Motorbase are now known as Alliance Racing and left Kent for the Midlands last year.

However this season’s opener could provide a flying start. Donington has been a happy hunting ground in recent years, with Hill the holder of the race lap record on the National configuration as well as finishing on the podium on his previous four trips to the circuit.

The 2022 season-opener there holds fond memories, with Hill securing his first-ever pole position in the BTCC before going on to take victory in the final race of the weekend.

“I cannot wait to hit the track at Donington Park this weekend and kick off the 2024 season,” Hill said.

“Pre-season preparations have been seamless, with the team working tirelessly to bring improvements to our package.

“Throughout testing, we have shown great potential and we’ll be looking to turn that into strong results when we get going this weekend.

“I have fond memories of Donington and I always enjoy racing here so we’ll be aiming high for the opening round.

“I’m hopeful that we can set the tone for the season from the start and have the Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport BMW 330e M Sport as the car to beat this season.”

The championship will visit Kent on two occasions. Round two will be held on Brands Hatch’s Indy circuit on May 11-12, and the season finale will be contested on the GP layout on October 5-6.