Young Jake Hill performed fantastically on his NGTC debut despite having a likely top ten finish scuppered after mid-race contact with the Toyota of Ollie Jackson.

The Exocet Racing driver starred throughout Saturday, even setting the overall pace in his Audi A4 at one stage.

“Yesterday was really good,” said Hill. “In fact qualifying even went a little better than we thought it would. Although looking back at the data I could have gone faster. I actually ruined a set of front tyres after locking up, but of course it certainly wasn’t a bad day at all.

“I felt really comfortable in the car straight away. It was all part of a learning curve and it was completely different to the S2000 car that I drove earlier in the season. It’s more powerful and has more grip so it felt a bit like starting again.”

The Kent teenager was tenth in qualifying, even out-pacing his race-winning team-mate Rob Austin.

“It was nice to beat Rob,” beamed Jake. “He is a great driver and I’m sure he’ll be up there this afternoon – I hope we’re both up there. I’m sure he doesn’t like to be out-qualified but on the other hand I know he was pleased to have two cars in the team going well.”

Despite Jake’s setback in race one, he fought hard until the finish to recover to 14th. With rain expected in Kent for much of the day, he remains confident ahead of rounds 29 and 30 of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

“I’m really quick in the wet and I think I proved that in FP1 yesterday,” concluded Hill. “I’m feeling very confident but I need to stay out of trouble! I’d love to be here next year so let’s see how things go over the winter.”