BTCC - Jackson downplays Chevy 'advantage'
Knockhill hero Mat Jackson says his and Jason Plato’s Racing Silverline Chevrolets are not in a’ league of their own’ as other rivals have suggested.
Many are tipping Jackson and Plato to dominate Silverstone's three HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship races this coming Sunday – the track, with two long straights, is expected to suit their Lacetti model’s strong engine characteristics.
But Jackson, who got his season truly back on track with three podiums – including a win – at Knockhill two weeks ago, says the car’s form is all down to good team work. Indeed, the Scottish track was a prosperous venue for the Silverline squad as Plato won the day’s opening race as well and then followed Jackson across the line for a dream 1-2 result in race three.
Jackson, from Warwickshire, said: “Is the Lacetti the car to beat? It depends who you ask! The competition says it’s the fastest thing in a straight line and you just put your foot down and disappear. But there are only two out of four Chevrolets up there – where are the other two?
“We are getting there but I don’t think the Lacetti is any quicker overall than the BMW. (Colin) Turkington is still qualifying on the first few rows with 45kilos of ballast (in his BMW) whereas Jason and I haven’t got that kind of weight. The Vauxhalls certainly aren’t slow either. I think the Lacetti is up there, it’s a big improvement on where it’s come from, but to say it’s in a class of its own is wrong.”
At Silverstone 12 months ago Jackson caused a sensation with two memorable drives through the field for a second place finish in race ione and then an even more popular victory in race three. He’s of course hoping for more of the same this time around as he looks to improve on the seventh position he’s leapt up to in the championship standings. Indeed, he is now just 12 points away from sixth-placed Robert Collard.
The Henley-in-Arden driver added: “Hopefully we can do the same this time – but preferably not from so far back on the grid! Last year was a pretty wet weekend and if it rains this year then bring it on!
“Knockhill two weeks ago was just mega. It’s a boost that was needed for everyone involved in the team and we’re all looking forward to Silverstone although, sadly, there was no party for me... I had to get back for work the next day!”
BTCC :: HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship
Many are tipping Jackson and Plato to dominate Silverstone's three HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship races this coming Sunday – the track, with two long straights, is expected to suit their Lacetti model’s strong engine characteristics.
But Jackson, who got his season truly back on track with three podiums – including a win – at Knockhill two weeks ago, says the car’s form is all down to good team work. Indeed, the Scottish track was a prosperous venue for the Silverline squad as Plato won the day’s opening race as well and then followed Jackson across the line for a dream 1-2 result in race three.
Jackson, from Warwickshire, said: “Is the Lacetti the car to beat? It depends who you ask! The competition says it’s the fastest thing in a straight line and you just put your foot down and disappear. But there are only two out of four Chevrolets up there – where are the other two?
“We are getting there but I don’t think the Lacetti is any quicker overall than the BMW. (Colin) Turkington is still qualifying on the first few rows with 45kilos of ballast (in his BMW) whereas Jason and I haven’t got that kind of weight. The Vauxhalls certainly aren’t slow either. I think the Lacetti is up there, it’s a big improvement on where it’s come from, but to say it’s in a class of its own is wrong.”
At Silverstone 12 months ago Jackson caused a sensation with two memorable drives through the field for a second place finish in race ione and then an even more popular victory in race three. He’s of course hoping for more of the same this time around as he looks to improve on the seventh position he’s leapt up to in the championship standings. Indeed, he is now just 12 points away from sixth-placed Robert Collard.
The Henley-in-Arden driver added: “Hopefully we can do the same this time – but preferably not from so far back on the grid! Last year was a pretty wet weekend and if it rains this year then bring it on!
“Knockhill two weeks ago was just mega. It’s a boost that was needed for everyone involved in the team and we’re all looking forward to Silverstone although, sadly, there was no party for me... I had to get back for work the next day!”
BTCC :: HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship
