NEXT UP: BRANDS HATCH

NO REST FOR THE WICKED AS BTCC RETURNS TO ACTION

• The next instalment of the BTCC takes place this weekend at Brands Hatch GP circuit less than a week from Donington Park.

• This event marks the first back-to-back event in the 2020 revised calendar.

• The weather forecast looks set to be a scorcher as the teams and drivers plan to complete their shakedown procedures at the track on Friday evening.

• Championship leader Colin Turkington keen to maximise results despite carrying 60kgs of success ballast.

Q&A WITH COLIN

Will the drivers and teams be ready to go again this weekend?

We’re not used to such tight turnarounds in the BTCC but like most things, with a bit of extra planning and the desire to make it happen, anything is possible. Today will be the busiest day for the team with a strip down and rebuild but they are all fired up for the challenge. For me, it’s been busy completing my reports and understanding everything from Donington Park before commencing the Brands preparation, but I’m being careful to fully recover as well. We will carry out our shakedown around the Indy circuit on Friday evening so that will give the team back some time on Thursday.

What are your expectations arriving with maximum success ballast?

You have to just get on with on it and approach your weekend with the same pursuit of performance and lap time. It won’t be easy, but we’re well used to adjusting our expectations for qualifying and race 1 when arriving heavy. It’s not so bad if you can get some clear track space and clean air, and in the end it’s all about scoring points at this stage.

Will the predicted heat wave play a part in anything during qualifying and race day?

For sure the heat will make things more laboured for everyone, and its important to ensure we arrive prepared to stay cool and hydrated. For the cars the temperatures can have a significant impact on tyre wear. The rear wheel drive cars love the heat and hot temperatures and normally we can manage our tyres better than the front wheel drive cars. This will become a factor on race day.

Did the results of Donington Park surprise you?

Nothing surprises me in BTCC. Donington Park proved that it’s going to be a super competitive season and the usual big players are all going to be a big threat. In the BTCC you can take nothing for granted and you have to work as hard for 20th position as you do for 2nd.

BRANDS HATCH SCHEDULE

QUALIFYING LIVE ON ITV4.COM

• All the action LIVE
• Saturday 3:20pm
• Click to watch

RACING LIVE ON ITV4

• All the action LIVE
• Sunday 10:20am
• ITV4

POLE LAP BRANDS HATCH GP

Ride on board the Team BMW 3 Series as Colin talks you through his pole lap from 2019.  He successfully converted this Saturday performance by claiming his 4th BTCC title in sensational fashion on the Sunday.

STAY SOCIAL

Make sure to keep an eye on Colin’s social channels throughout the Brands Hatch weekend for lots of behind the scenes videos and images.

WIN A ZOOM CALL WITH THE CHAMP

Head to the TerraClean facebook page for a chance of winning a race day Zoom video call with Colin, LIVE from the paddock.

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