Redstone Racing and their drivers, Mat Jackson, Aron Smith and Liam Griffin arrive at Donington Park looking for a change in fortunes after a tough opening weekend of the season last time out at Brands Hatch.
Jackson secured the team’s first victory of the 2011 campaign at the Leicestershire circuit having worked his way up the order from tenth on the grid. For the team, it was their first victory with the Ford Focus ST.
The Henley-in-Arden driver is hoping for a repeat performance to make up for his final race disappointment at Brands Hatch, where a podium place went begging after he made a mistake and dropped oil all over the circuit.
He arrives lying ninth in the Championship and has prepared himself for what could be a roller coaster weekend after a VIP trip to Alton Towers last week.
“Brands Hatch was a frustrating weekend; the car felt really good by the third race but unfortunately it wasn’t to be,” explained the sixteen times BTCC race winner. “However, looking forward to Donington Park we’re going to keep plugging away and aim for some better results. The NGTC cars have been quick but they’re on a steep learning curve, so having the Ford Focus ST – a car which we know inside out – could play into our hands.”
Smith has a strong record at Donington Park having secured his first victory in the supporting Clio Cup during the 2009 race weekend. His Brands Hatch weekend saw him caught up in two unfortunate incidents – of which neither were his fault – but he is confident having shown speed at the wheel of the #5 Focus.
“Donington Park is a special place to me as it’s where I had my first win in the Clio Cup,” reflects the Irish driver. “However I’m not going to put any expectations on my shoulders. I was really pleased with my pace at Brands Hatch so I’m hoping we can arrive at Donington Park and be quick!”
Griffin, who has entered his second season in the BTCC, had his best weekend to date at Brands Hatch. He secured three top fifteen finishes having managed to avoid all of the on track incidents.
Arriving in Leicestershire thirteenth in the Championship, Griffin is confident of another strong weekend this weekend: “I’ve had a consistent start to the season and now I want to build on that confidence. Donington Park’s sweeping nature will suit my driving style so I’m looking forward to the weekend!”
“After Brands Hatch we’re looking forward to Donington Park,” added Redstone Racing team manager Oly Collins. “The guys in the workshop have done a great job of turning the cars round after a fair amount of damage. There were some positives to take from Brands despite the results not being what we wanted, so we’re hopeful of some strong results this weekend. All three drivers like the circuit and it was the venue of our first Focus win last year!”