By Mick Palmer

Ollie Jackson has taken the decision to step back from the British Touring Car Championship and move back into the Porsche Carrera Cup GB series for 2023.

The Surrey based racer – who made his BTCC debut at the end of 2011 – cited his growing commitments away from the championship, and a dislike of the BTCC hybrid system as factors that helped to cement the choice.

Jackson leaves the Motorbase team, who he scored two victories with at Silverstone and Snetterton in 2020, to return to a series where he won the Pro-Am1 crown before switching to tin tops – amassing an impressive 40 points scoring results from 40 races.

“I am supportive of the introduction of electrification into the sport, but the changes brought about by the Hybrid system just haven’t suited me,” he said of the hybrid regulations that were introduced for the 2022 season.

“Midway through last season I openly discussed my need for a new challenge with Pete (Osbourne, Motorbase Team Owner,) we worked through some potential plans together that included a switch to a rear wheel drive car within the team or a change to endurance racing however, after considering several options, I feel the Porsche and the overall package it provides is the one that really excites me to go racing again. For me the enjoyment in racing comes from the feeling I get from the car on track and the challenge in myself, yes results are a bonus, but first and foremost it’s simply about enjoying each and every race.”

The off-season rumour mill has placed Motorbase as a prime choice team to make a switch to a rear-wheel drive machine, and that statement could point towards the expected retention of the Ford Focus machines.

“Alongside my racing I do have a full-time job as Chief Engineer for Controlled Braking Technology at Alcon, as well as growing responsibilities within Mountune and other Motorsport related businesses I am involved in. Racing in BTCC and the unique commitments that surround it, requires time as well as a level of intensity and focus that I was going to struggle to reconcile with what is going to be a busy year ahead at work for me.”

Jackson has state that an announcement regarding joining the Carrera Cup GB, which remains with TOCA as a BTCC support category, will follow soon.