Mat Jackson praised the decision to switch to the slick compound tyre in the closing stages of yesterday [16th April]’s qualifying session for the second Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship meeting of the season at Donington Park, which ultimately led to the Motorbase Performance driver clocking the third fastest time of 1:12.261, behind the MG duo of Josh Cook and pole-sitter Ashley Sutton.
Jackson, who had been on the pace throughout the majority of the morning’s practice sessions, was able to time his last flying lap to move himself into contention for the first of todays triple header of contests, before bringing out the red flag that ultimately concluded the session after going off in avoidance of Dan Welch’s Proton Gen-2 and sending his Ford Focus ST into the gravel.
Commenting after the session, Jackson praised the decision to switch tyre compounds and acknowledged the improving track conditions as the session continued after earlier wet weather had hit the East Midlands circuit.
“It was entertaining! It was definitely the right choice to go on to slicks. There was a dry line beginning to form on the track and the sun came out for a few minutes. We then got the red flag, as did everyone else, which gave everybody the same opportunity to go and set a time.Dan (Welch) went off in front of me it put me onto the wet stuff – the rest is history.”
Looking ahead briefly to the opening race, which gets underway at 11:37, Jackson believes that he and Motorbase Performance have a good setup on the car and are well placed to take the fight to the MG duo as well as usual suspects WSR and Honda.
“We’ve got a good race car and we’re placed well so let’s see.”