TURKINGTON TAKES CONTROL
TURKINGTON TAKES CONTROL
COMMANDING TRIPLE PODIUM FROM NEW CHAMPIONSHIP LEADER
Colin Turkington took the lead in the British Touring Car Championship on Sunday as he put on a flawless display of consistency; securing three podiums in rounds 19, 20 and 21 at Scotland’s Knockhill. His hat-trick of 3rd place results etched his 120th BTCC career podium as the intent of the Northern Irishman became clearer than ever.
QUALIFYING – P3
The unpredictable Scottish weather threw a spanner in the mix on qualifying day as rain produced tricky conditions for the drivers and teams. Starting on a very wet track, the 30-minute session looked destined to be decided on the final lap as the circuit began to dry. With the order rapidly changing, the final recorded lap time would be the one to set up race day. Determined as ever, Tukington succeeded with an outstanding lap good enough for P3.
READ THE KNOCKHILL QUALIFYING REPORT HERE.
CONSISTENCY IS KEY
Race day proved to be a much more stable affair for Team BMW and Colin Turkington as he took to the podium in every event. Maintaining his 3rd place position from lights to flag in races 1 and 2, Turkington edged away from those behind and confidently brought the #4 BMW home in commanding fashion, collecting a fastest lap and valuable points.
EIGHTH TO THIRD
The final race of the day provided Turkington with an opportunity to skilfully work his way through the pack and declare his intent for the 2017 crown. Starting 8th, the BMW driver immaculately carved his way to the front, putting pressure on rival Gordon Shedden for 2nd place. A text book display of assertive, clean overtaking, Colin affirmed his status as the perfect role model for younger racing drivers.
WSR HITS ANOTHER MILESTONE
Claiming WSR’s 250th BTCC podium in the second outing of the day, Colin has once again delivered another important milestone for the Surrey based racing team. The third race result also marked Colin’s own 120th BTCC podium in his 13th year of competition.
COLIN TURKINGTON
“I always set out to deliver my best, whatever that is, and see where we are by the end of the day. This weekend, my best has been good enough to put us top of the Championship, and it is a great reward for the dedicated work that myself and Team BMW have been employing.
It all happens so fast on a race day that you don’t really appreciate the feat we achieved this weekend until the next day.
It’s fantastic to get this boost of satisfaction to encourage us to keep on pushing on and believe that we can convert this lead into the overall title.
The conditions on Saturday were incredibly tricky and it could easily have gone either way. It takes a knowledgeable team with a wealth of experience to come out the other side in a strong position and this result proved critical in the potential of my race day.
I had to attack but also be incredibly careful on Sunday, and it’s the ability to do this that can make or break your championship hopes. The BMW was superb over the course of the weekend, and we had a great car straight from the off. This gives me confidence to accurately do my job and allows me a little more time to think.
The BMW 1 series wasn’t the strongest package of the weekend, but it was as close to flawless as you can hope for. We all worked together to maximise the results and this is what matters.
I’ll have a little bit more weight on-board for Rockingham, but to win a championship you need to be able to race with that. If we keep doing what we are doing and try to outwork our rivals we should hopefully be in a strong position for the final two events.”
KNOCKHILL RESULTS
Qualifying – P3
Race 1 – P3 + Fastest lap
Race 2 – P3
Race 3 – P3
CHAMPIONSHIP POSITION – P1
See the full album from Knockhill on Colin’s Facebook page
NEXT UP: ROUNDS 22, 23 and 24
Rockingham is next on the agenda for the BTCC as the former speedway circuit lends itself to some close touring car racing. Less than two weeks away the action restarts on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th August.
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