Jake Hill and BMW stormed to an incredible double British Touring Car Championship title success on one of the most tense finales in series history at Brands Hatch.
The Kent ace scored a race win and two further podium finishes aboard his WSR-run Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport BMW 330e M Sport to snatch the title in a wet final encounter at his local circuit.
In doing so, he and fellow WSR drivers Colin Turkington – a double podium-finisher on the day – and Adam Morgan helped secure a record-breaking 10th Manufacturers’ crown for BMW.
Beginning the day level on points with his chief title rival Tom Ingram, Jake drove serenely to an eighth victory of the year in Race One with Team BMW polesitter Colin making it a one-two finish.
That result was an historic 400th podium finish for WSR in the BTCC and also a 132nd race win to equal the all-time series record.
Second place in Race Two – with Colin again right behind – meant that Jake went into a wet title showdown with a one-point advantage in the title fight.
After losing out to Ingram initially, he overtook his rival for fourth spot before half-distance and pulled away, eventually climbing to second by the chequered flag; a result that settled matters. Colin was fifth to end the season fourth in the points.
Adam Morgan was an innocent victim in a first-lap incident as he was pushed from behind into a stationary car at the Druids hairpin.
With extensive damage to the front and rear of his BMW, the Lancashire racer was unable to start Race Two, but sterling work from the WSR mechanics repaired the car in time for him to start the finale from the back of the grid.
A storming run to 10th place secured him eighth place in the Championship.
What they said…
Jake Hill, Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport
Colin Turkington, Team BMW
Adam Morgan, Team BMW
Dick Bennetts, Team Principal