Jake Hill Secures Second BTCC Win of 2025 on Return
In a commanding display of resilience and skill, Jake Hill returned to the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) with a bang, clinching his second victory of the 2025 season in Round 19 at Knockhill Racing Circuit on August 17, 2025. The defending champion, driving for Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport, overcame a recent absence due to illness to dominate the opening race of the weekend in Scotland. This triumph not only marked his 22nd career BTCC win and sixth at Knockhill but also underscored the team's competitive edge in a fiercely contested field. Hill's performance highlighted his ability to adapt and excel under pressure, solidifying his status as a frontrunner in the championship.
Background: Hill's Return to the Grid
Jake Hill, the 2024 BTCC champion, was forced to sit out the previous round at Croft in July 2025 on medical grounds, missing valuable points and track time. Back to full fitness for the Knockhill triple-header, the 30-year-old from Kent wasted no time in reasserting his prowess. Representing Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport—a partnership backed by West Surrey Racing (WSR)—Hill entered the weekend with determination, piloting the No. 1 BMW 330e M Sport. The team, known for its engineering excellence and strategic acumen, had already secured Hill's first win of the season earlier at Brands Hatch in May. This return race at the challenging 1.27-mile Knockhill circuit, with its undulating layout and demanding corners, provided the perfect stage for Hill to showcase his recovery and the car's setup optimizations.
Race Recap: From Chaos to Victory
The 30-lap opener at Knockhill was a frenetic affair, packed with overtakes, incidents, and strategic battles. Charles Rainford, Hill's junior teammate at WSR, started from pole position, leading a BMW 1-2-3 lockout in qualifying alongside Hill and another teammate. At the start, Rainford held the lead, but drama unfolded early when Daryl DeLeon made an ambitious dive for the top spot at turn one. DeLeon's move saw him clip the grass, briefly taking the lead, but with debris affecting his radiator and questions over the maneuver's legality, he yielded positions back to Rainford and Hill.
Hill, starting from the front row, capitalized on the chaos. He swiftly overtook Rainford to assume the lead, pulling away with consistent lap times that demonstrated the Laser Tools Racing BMW's superior balance and tire management. Midway through, Hill encountered a backmarker, Nick Halstead in the Motor Parts Direct with Power Maxed Racing Cupra, resulting in minor contact that brought out a safety car. Undeterred, Hill managed the restart masterfully, fending off challenges during a final three-lap sprint to the checkered flag.
The race concluded after 24 minutes and 59.957 seconds, with Hill crossing the line 1.417 seconds ahead of Rainford in second. Current points leader Tom Ingram of Team VERTU finished third, 3.722 seconds back, after being waved through by teammate Senna Proctor on the last lap. DeLeon, who faded due to his early issues, ended seventh, while other top-10 finishers included Dan Cammish, Aiden Moffat, Ash Sutton, Árón Taylor-Smith, and Sam Osborne.
Highlighting Laser Tools Racing Performance
Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport's preparation was pivotal to Hill's success. The team's BMW 330e M Sport, tuned by WSR, excelled in Knockhill's twisty sections, allowing Hill to maintain pace while conserving tires—a key factor on the abrasive Scottish track. Hill praised the squad's efforts, noting their strategic calls during the safety car period ensured he retained track position. This win was a testament to the team's depth, with Rainford's second-place finish contributing to a strong points haul for the BMW contingent. As Hill aims to defend his title, this performance boosts morale and positions Laser Tools Racing as a formidable force in the remaining rounds.
Implications for the Championship
Hill's victory narrows the gap to Ingram in the standings, injecting fresh excitement into the 2025 title fight with two more races at Knockhill and the season finale looming. For Hill, it's a psychological boost after his enforced break, proving he's back at peak form. The result also highlights Knockhill's role as a pivotal venue, where Hill now holds six career wins, tying him with BTCC greats.
Conclusion
Jake Hill's triumphant return to the BTCC at Knockhill was nothing short of inspirational, blending tactical brilliance with raw speed to secure his second win of 2025. Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport's flawless execution played a starring role, setting the stage for an intense battle in the championship's closing stages. As the series heads into the next races, Hill's momentum could prove decisive in his quest for back-to-back titles. Fans can catch the action from Rounds 20 and 21 at Knockhill later today.
