BTCC PREVIEW: OULTON PARK

TURKINGTON AND TEAM BMW AIM TO MAINTAIN WINNING FORMULA

It’s been non stop action so far, and as the British Touring Car Championship heads to Cheshire, another episode of thrilling racing is just around the corner.

Taking place this weekend, merely a fortnight after Rounds 7, 8 and 9, the schedule of events has been coming thick and fast for teams and drivers. With it’s high profile status and three races per day, the BTCC easily stands out as one of the most intense motorsport series in the world.

FAN FAVOURITE OULTON PARK

Oulton Park is always one of the ‘fan favourites’ on the BTCC calendar. Nestled in the stunning Cheshire countryside with a glorious campsite overlooking the track, it proves a popular choice for both friends and families.

SEASON SUCCESS

Colin Turkington and Team BMW head into this weekend buoyed by their recent breakthrough win at Thruxton. Taking two victories at a circuit that has been unfavourable to them in the past, the team converted early struggles into a history making day for BMW. Added to the challenge was the new Dunlop 2017 HARD tyre that extracted everything it could from the Team BMW engineering team.

Recap on rounds 7, 8 and 9 at Thruxton here.

COLIN TURKINGTON

WINNNG TEAM FORMULA

“I’m certain that the mentality we all share in Team BMW has been key to our success so far. Each and every member strive for excellence, ensuring that even when things are going good, we aim to improve.

This winning formula has kept us competitive regardless of any unfavourable circumstances.

I was fortunate to be involved with two BMW Driving Experience days at Oulton Park last week. I have to say that slotting this into my diary one week before our BTCC event was incredibly useful. I had a super time with all the guests and BMW enthusiasts as they experienced a day brimmed with BMW!

Whether or not they knew it, the guests were all joining in on my BTCC preparation!

Having just celebrated BMW’s 100th BTCC win at Thruxton; these couple of days surrounded by all things BMW felt all the more special.

I intend to arrive on Friday primed and posed to get the show on the road. I know that the driver can make a real difference to the lap time around Oulton Park and I need to ensure I can deliver my best.

Preparing for this type of technical circuit is extremely motivating.

There is no better feeling than the thrill of racing a well tuned BMW. I’m hopeful we can find that sweet spot this weekend and punch out a qualifying session that declares our intent for Sunday’s three races. It won’t be easy, but if we keep our focus and can stay out of trouble, we should be in good shape by Sunday night.”

THRUXTON IN PICTURES

You can see the full album from BMW’s history making weekend here.

BTCC RACE WEEKEND SCHEDULE

SATURDAY
Free practice 1 – 10am
Free practice 2 – 12.45pm
Qualifying – 3.50pm
CLICK HERE FOR L IVE TIMING
CLICK HERE TO WATCH ONLINESUNDAY
Race 1 – 12.17am
Race 2 – 2.52pm
Race 3 – 5.02pm
LIVE ON ITV4
ITV4 coverage LIVE from 11.15amOulton Park offers some unrivalled vantage points in a beautifully serene environment.
Fans can enjoy plenty of trackside entertainment with the driver parade, pitlane walkabout, trade village and fun fair.

STATS

Distance: 2.23 miles
Qualifying record: Jason Plato 2015 / 1m 25.484
Race record: Andy Priaulx 2015 / 1m 26.404

OPTION TYRE

It’s back to the Dunlop medium tyres for Oulton Park with the option tyre being the ‘Sport Maxx Soft’. Drivers and teams will nominate this option soft tyre for only one of the races on Sunday.

2016 POLE POSITION VIDEO

Ride on board around Oulton Park with Colin and his pole position qualifying lap from 2016.

GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED

Colin has been confirmed for official BMW driving duties at this year’s Goodwood Festival Of Speed. Keen to have a go in the BMW i8, Colin’s first drive didn’t go quite as planned.
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