Jackson Sees Good Qualifying As Key To Protecting Points Lead
Mat Jackson has targeted a good qualifying session tomorrow ahead of Sunday’s three races at Knockhill, to give himself the best possible chance of maintaining his championship lead.
The Airwaves Racing driver is currently eight points clear of Honda Racing’s Gordon Shedden with twelve races remaining.
Jackson must qualify with 45kgs of maximum ballast in his championship-leading car and then also contest the first of Sunday’s races with the ballast on board. However Jackson still believes he is capable of securing a decent grid slot despite the disadvantage of carrying the extra weight.
He said: “I think we’ve hit the front at just the right time and although the ballast will hurt us I’m still aiming for the top eight
in qualifying. Qualifying hasn’t been our strongest point this season – I’ve actually carried at least 27kgs in my car for the last five qualifying sessions – but we think we’ve pinpointed why and will be looking to put things right in that area.
“I’d much sooner be going into an event like Knockhill with an eight point championship lead than having to make up ground. It’s a mad-cap kind of circuit that you love and hate at the same time and it’s also in Shedden’s back yard. He always says it’s not an advantage but he always seems to find something else at Knockhill!
“Our goal has to be to come away still near the top as there’s still a long way to go – there are nine more races after this so now
isn’t the time to start thinking of titles and settling for safe points finishes. I won’t be changing my style.
“Sure we’re operating on a tight budget compared to the factory Honda and Chevrolet teams but we are where we are totally on merit. There’s no way we’re going to roll over for them just because they’ve got bigger budgets and greater resources and I actually see no reason why we can’t come out of Knockhill even still ahead in the championship.”
Qualifying begins at 15:05 and will be shown live on the ITV website. Race day coverage will be broadcast live on Sunday on ITV4 from 11:30.
Photo Credit: Pete Mainey (http://www.psmmotorsportimages.co.uk)
Thomas Surgay
