[More Pictures]

Friday, 7th March 2008

Privateer out to build on fine debut campaign.

After his fine debut season last year, Mat Jackson says he will be aiming to make the most of 'little changes' to his BMW 320si to fight for honours in the 2008 HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship season.

For the second year in a row, Jackson has secured the services of the World Touring Car Championship title-winning car for the season ahead, and will aim to build on a debut campaign that saw him win twice and finish second in the Independents' title race – and a fine seventh overall.

Although the new car looks the same as the one it replaces, a number of small changes under the skin will leave the small family-run Jacksons MSport team in a stronger position going into the new season with what is now effectively a full 2008-specification machine.

Advertisement [Go Advertisement Free]

"There are a few set-up changes in the car with the components it has on it, so we have run the car with those and it seems to be running spot on," Jackson told Crash.net. "I'm trying to improve my knowledge of the car and testing is all about doing little things to it and then seeing how it responds.

"Last year we didn't have the latest-spec dampers while I think WSR did, so that is a big area where this car can improve. We've seen that already as the car seems to be a bit more controllable so that is one change. There are some other minor changes, like the front end is slightly wider, but it really brings us up to the latest-spec car which is what you need to challenge the likes of WSR."

However going into the new campaign, Jackson said he was under no illusions about how difficult the 2008 season – the 50th year of the series – is likely to be.

"It will be a tough championship, it always is," he said. "The BTCC is the pinnacle of saloon car racing in this country so it will never be easy.

Related Images

[Top of Article]