CROFT QUALIFYING REPORT - Colin Turkington

SECOND ROW START FOR TURKINGTON IN RED FLAG RIDDLED QUALIFYING

Colin Turkington maintained his impressive qualifying form today securing a second row start for race one tomorrow. Despite being the heaviest car on the grid, the Team BMW driver banked a critical lap good enough for P4 in one of the most disrupted qualifying sessions of recent time.

RED FLAGS

There were no less than five red flags throughout the 30 minute session, resulting in very few actual flying laps. Team BMW were looking strong all morning in practice with their new BMW 3 Series, the first time the car had been around the North Yorkshire circuit.

IN THE WINDOW

The pace of the 3 Series looks promising for race day with the Championship leader content with the balance of his full ballast BMW. Improving the car throughout the day, Team BMW made positive progress in the limited time on offer.

COLIN TURKINGTON

” I’ve never known a session like that, and even Dick just said to me that in his lifetime he can’t remember one like it either! Apart from that initial first part of a run, there was never a chance to bring the tyres up to temperature and then push. It was the same for everybody of course but I’m just glad I got that early banker lap in! P4 is a super place to be and when you look at where the competition is on a similar weight we did a top job.

It’s been a very frustrating afternoon when you know you have a fast car and the speed is there but not able to do anything with it. I feel there was so much left in the car with lap time but that leaves us in a positive head space for tomorrow.

The 3 Series has rolled out today in great shape and we are certainly in the window. We can hopefully improve it further as the day goes on tomorrow and most importantly pick up points. It’s all about the races from here and I’m ready to go racing!”