SNETTERTON PREVIEW

SUCESSFUL TEST GIVES TURKINGTON ” FRESH IMPETUS” AS TEAM BMW PREPARE FOR DIAMOND DOUBLE

The nation’s favourite tin top series returns to action this weekend with a special Diamond Jubilee race at Snetterton circuit in Norfolk. Running twice the usual race distance, the ‘Diamond Double’ will replace the regular ‘reversed grid’ race 3. With its own ballast free qualifying session and double championship points on offer, the ‘Diamond Double’ is sure to add further excitement to an already thrilling season.

TURKINGTON ON TOP

Five weeks have passed since the curtain dropped on the first half of the 2018 season when Colin Turkington extended his championship lead to 19 points. Showing his distinctive calm, classy and consistent form, the BMW driver has been turning up the heat in his bid to claim a third BTCC crown.

TESTING THE LIMITS

Key to the success of the Team BMW campaign has been the expertise within the engineering department and continued development. Ensuring they maximised the time between events, Team BMW got straight to work following Croft and most recently at a two day test at Snetterton. Hailing it a ‘crucial’ step in advance of this weekend, Turkington and his BMW teammates completed an extensive test programme at the hot and sunny Norfolk track.

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COLIN TURKINGTON

“Although there was a 5 week break from racing since Croft, it’s been a very productive and busy period for both myself and Team BMW. We’re well prepared and looking forward to the challenge this weekend. Our crucial two-day test at Snetterton earlier in the month was extremely valuable and has provided fresh impetus ahead of the second half.

I’ve done everything possible to prepare as best as I can. I feel fitter than ever and I’m hungry for further success.

Going double race distance in race 3 will be new territory for both the driver and car, but I’m going to embrace that. We have to do 20 laps on the standard medium tyre, so we’ll need to be clever to manage that correctly.

There’s a huge buzz about the diamond jubilee celebrations and the ‘diamond double’ race has been a hot topic throughout the summer.

This is my fourteenth year in the BTCC and I know the effort and dedication required to make sure I deliver my best performance over the next 15 races. There are so many elements of this Championship that are outside your control, so I need to remain focused on delivering the best version of me.

We’re exactly where we need to be at this stage leading both the drivers and manufacturer’s standings, but it’s only by working harder than the competition that we’ll stay there.

Snetterton will be a game of strategy and it’s up to us to ensure we get that right.

The added challenges and pressure will be felt throughout the team and it’s here that the depth of experience within Team BMW will shine through.

It’s been a long five weeks for the fans but one worth waiting on! The excitement will begin again, and its non -stop from here on in.”

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BTCC RACE WEEKEND SCHEDULE

SATURDAY
FP1: 9:30am
FP2: 12:10pm
Qualifying 1: 3:10pm
Qualifying 2: 5:40pm
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SUNDAY
Race 1: 11:50am
Race 2: 1:50pm
Diamond Double : 5:15pm
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TYRE CHOICES

The option tyre for Snetterton will be the SOFT compound and must be used in either race 1 or 2. Nominated for use in only ONE race, the soft tyre is not allowed as an option for the ‘Diamond Double’ race. Every driver must run the STANDARD compound for this feature race.

WATCH LIVE – SUNDAY ON ITV4

Back on your screens on ITV4 this Sunday from 10:30am, Join Steve Rider, Louise Goodman and Paul O’Neill as they take you through the day of BTCC celebrations including the special Diamond Double race, broadcast LIVE throughout the day.

MINI FESTIVAL AND SILVERSTONE CLASSIC

Colin joined MINI over the weekend at their annual MINI Festival at Oulton Park taking part in a special ‘bike’ race!

The BTCC 60th Anniversary celebrations also took place over the weekend at the Silverstone Classic showcasing a parade of old and current touring cars. Joining in on the festivities on Sunday, Colin enjoyed getting involved in this special occasion to celebrate one of the longest serving and most successful motorsport series.

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