Mat Jackson got behind the wheel of his Power Maxed Racing Vauxhall Astra for the first time on Tuesday, ahead of his return to the British Touring Car Championship with the team this year.
Jackson last raced in the BTCC in 2017 with Motorbase Performance, before he lost his drive at the last minute ahead of the 2018 and had to watch the following two seasons from the sidelines.
The 31-time race winner is looking forward to competing again in anger in 2020 when he lines up alongside Jason Plato at PMR.
“It’s been two years since I last drove an NGTC-spec car in anger, and it was great to get back behind the wheel,” said Jackson, who tested the car at Donington Park.
“It was only my first test in the car, so it was mostly used for me to become accustomed with the car and the team.
“With rain in the morning, which dried up around lunch, it gave me the perfect opportunity to put the car through its paces, and I’ve got to say it felt great.
“I have unfinished business in the championship, so I wanted to come back with the right team, and after driving the Astra yesterday I’m completely convinced I’ve made the right choice in joining PMR.
“Martin [Broadhurst] and his team have put together a cracking machine, and I’m chomping at the bit to get back out at the end of the month!”
Team Manager Martin Broadhurst is looking forward to working with Jackson, who has won more races than any other driver yet to lift the title, in the coming season.
“Mat’s a highly experienced driver and has proved multiple times that he has the ability to win races, and very nearly the championship itself,” said Broadhurst.
“Despite having not been in an NGTC-spec car for two years, he was able to demonstrate his professionalism straight from the off.
“He has two more test days left in the car before our first round at Donington, and we’ll all be working hard throughout to ensure he’s on his A-game come the first Qualifying session of the year.”