Passion and Precision Pays off for Turkington and Subaru Silverline BMR Racing
It was a momentous weekend at Brands Hatch for Subaru Silverline BMR Racing and Turkington as four new Subaru Levorg’s took their first breath. With 3 of the 4 cars turning their wheels for the very first time on Friday, all eyes were on the quartet of box fresh machines as they effectively performed their testing live on ITV4 during the course of the weekend.
Keen not to rush the production and completion of the cars, Subaru Silverline BMR Racing were primarily focused on meticulously assembling four cars and delivering a package to the drivers that would provide the best reliability. It was an approach that paid dividends as Turkington was able to advance the car throughout the two 40 minute practise sessions and deliver a surprise in qualifying with a time just outside the top ten in 11th position.
Race day was always going to be a step into the unknown for the drivers and team without any testing. They had no idea how the cars would fair over race distance. Lining up 11th on one of the most competitive grids in motorsport, Turkington made a great start but incurred substantial damage on lap 1 and finally retired the car with just a few laps to go.
It was race 2 before we seen the driver and car expose its race potential as Turkington carved through the field from 26th to 12th. He was looking set for a potential top 10 finish before fluid on the track shot him off at Graham Hill, resulting in a 20th place finish.
Race 3 was another display of Turkington’s ability as he once again made overtaking in the BTCC look effortless. Showcasing impressive lap times throughout the race, the former double champion was one of the stars of the weekend bringing the car home in 12th place.
“Brands Hatch was a great success in my eyes”, said Turkington. “I was able to qualify just outside the top ten, make progress through the field in all three races, constantly improve lap times and score a handful of points. The car has come out of the box incredibly strong but not by chance. The work done by Team BMR has been nothing short of exceptional. The potential of this package right now is unbelievably exciting and I am expecting great success to come our way. My utmost gratitude to the Team for their passion and my sincere thanks to all our partners that are making this dream a reality.”
The Team will continue work on the development of the car over the next ten days before heading to Donington Park for the next three rounds of the Championship on 16th and 17th April.The potential of this package right now is unbelievably exciting and I am expecting great success to come our way.“
Colin Turkington evaluating the debut weekend for the BTCC Subaru Levorg GT.Click here to watch the moments captured behind the scenes as the Subaru Levorg took to the track for the first ever time since build.
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