BMW man stars during BTCC qualifying in Norfolk

Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport's Jake Hill bounced back from a challenging Brands Hatch weekend last time out by securing pole position for Round 7 of the 2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at Snetterton earlier today (25 May).

Hill showed his hand during a greasy morning practice session to set an early weekend P1 benchmark, but he saved his best for the drying 'Quick Six' conditions as the Kent driver blasted his #24 BMW 330e M Sport around the 2.97-mile circuit in sublime fashion.

If Hill's performance was impressive, then second placed Ash Sutton can be equally delighted as the championship leader hauled his NAPA Racing UK Ford Focus onto the front row with minimal hybrid deployment available.

A front row starting berth looked a possibility for the Toyota of Josh Cook in the closing moments until the #66 Corolla spun off at high speed going into Brundle.

P3 eventually went to Team BMW's Adam Morgan, who endured a topsy-turvy Saturday, which included a number of off-track excursions. Morgan made a last gasp dash into the 'Quick Six' with a late lap in Qualifying Part 2, so will feel pleased with his overall result.

NAPA Racing UK's Dan Cammish completed the second row line-up, ahead of a very encouraging run for series returnee Bobby Thompson. It has been a whirlwind few weeks for Thompson while awaiting the announcement of his drive with Zeus Cloud Racing with WSR, and the Essex man has returned in fine fettle at Snetterton.

LKQ Euro Car Parts with SYNETIQ's Cook will be frustrated with sixth after what was looking like a significant improvement on his final tour, although he continues to fly the flag for the Toyota brand ahead of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK's Andrew Watson and Rob Huff.

Team BMW's Colin Turkington's could only manage ninth – citing the result as being in keeping with the lack of hybrid and general feel in the car over the course of the day – whilst NAPA Racing UK's Dan Rowbottom was tenth.

Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS’ Tom Ingram was the most notable driver who failed to progress from the opening segment of qualifying. The Hyundais seemingly struggled for general pace throughout Saturday, and alongside Ingram's lack of available hybrid deployment, he was unable to make an impact.

Ingram ended up 13th on the grid, in-between team-mates Ronan Pearson and Tom Chilton for tomorrow's opening race.

Restart Racing’s Chris Smiley deserves a special mention, as he did progress through from Ingram’s Qualifying Part 1 group. He eventually wound up 11th, representing the best qualifying yet for the rookie team.

Round 7, 8 and 9 of the 2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship take place at Snetterton tomorrow (26 May). Action gets underway on ITV4 at 1050 while every race will also be streamed LIVE via the ITV Sport TikTok channel, with the races commencing at 1135, 1425 and 1710.

Jake Hill, Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport, said: "The perfect way to bounce back after Brands Hatch, I'm absolutely thrilled. It’s a huge credit to all the guys behind me, they've just done an amazing job and the Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport BMW is in a really good place today. 

"I was told I was fighting Josh (Cook), so I just thought let's throw everything at it and see what happens. I was either going to be sixth or on pole and luckily it was the latter.

"This bodes well for race day. We've had a very good run here at Snetterton the last couple of years and let's hope we can continue that tomorrow."

Snetterton – Qualifying – Classification