General News

Turkington “delighted” with start

Team RAC’s Colin Turkington says he will be going all out for victory at his home circuit of Mondello Park in Ireland on 23 April after emerging from yesterday’s opening three Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship rounds at Brands Hatch as a major title contender.

Northern Irishman Turkington, driving Team RAC’s MG ZS, collected a fourth and two second place finishes to leave the Kent circuit second overall in the BTCC Drivers’ standings, just six points adrift of leader, SEAT driver James Thompson.

“This is by far the best start I’ve made to a BTCC season and I can feel from the car that we’re in with a genuine shout at the title,” said Portadown racer Turkington who in Brands’ second round also celebrated his 100th BTCC race (pictured above receiving a cake).

“We were on the pace in free practice, in qualifying trim and over all three race distances. The car just kept getting quicker each time I drove it. It’s a great reward for Team RAC and the WSR crew which prepares the MG. Everyone’s worked really hard in the build-up to the new season and three podium results are really justified.”

Turkington, aged 24, now turns his attentions to the next three BTCC rounds at the Mondello Park track in County Kildare in a fortnight’s time. He won there in the MG in 2004 and again last season with the Vauxhall team.

“I love Mondello and can’t wait to get racing there again,” added Turkington. “It’s a real go-go-go kind of circuit and the racing is always close and exciting. I’ve been on the receiving end of a few knocks there in the past, but the past two years have been really kind to me. With the MG working so well, I think I’ll be in a position to challenge for victories.”