Jota Sport end debut season with podium and second in championship

The 2008 Porsche Carrera Cup GB season drew to a close at Brands Hatch over the weekend, with Kent-based Jota Sport securing the runner-up spot in the teams' championship and third and fifth places in the drivers' standings at the end of what was their debut season in the UK's premier one-make series.

After a challenging qualifying session in which both drivers suffered with understeer, Sam Hancock lined up third and Phil Quaife fifth for race 1 on Saturday. Pole sitter Tim Bridgman suffered a broken driveshaft on his way to the grid meaning both Jota Sport drivers moved up a position before the start. Sam was then beaten off the line by Michael Caine and battled with Quaife in the early stages. After weathering the initial storm from his team-mate, he had a lonely race to finish third behind Tim Harvey and Caine. Quaife dropped back into the clutches of Rosenzweig after his battle with Hancock, losing out to the American on lap 3 and ultimately settling for a safe fifth.

Starting from fourth, Hancock had a regulation race to finish in the same position at the flag after withstanding some early pressure from the fast starting Quaife. The points scored were enough to secure him third in the drivers’ title. Quaife meanwhile made a strong start, dispensing of Rosenzweig into turn 1 and challenging the sister Jota car around the outside of Druids. Unable to find a way passed his team-mate, Quaife fought over fifth with Rosenzweig for the remainder of the race. The American dived past with six laps to go, but a brave move into Paddock Hill Bend in the dying stages saw Phil re-take fifth place and hold the place to the finish.

Team Principal Sam Hignett: "It’s been an excellent season for the team and I think all the boys can be extremely happy with what they have achieved. Both drivers have performed superbly and there has been a terrific atmosphere throughout the whole team. We’re now looking towards 2009 where we have an exciting year planned."

Sam Hancock: "Taking the year as a whole I think the team should be immensely proud of all they have achieved in 2008. To come into such a competitive championship and to win races, score pole positions and finish second in the teams’ standings is a fantastic achievement and is a huge testimony to the dedication of every single person involved. I for one am enormously grateful for their efforts and would also like to extend my thanks to all of our partners and suppliers whose support has been invaluable."

Phil Quaife: "I’d like to thank everyone at Jota Sport for all their hard work this season. Without doubt this is the most professional team I have ever driven with and I hope we can continue to work together in 2009."

for more details on Jota Sport, please visit www.jotasport.com

- Andy Wilkinson -