After much speculation, 2009 BTCC Champion Colin Turkington has finally secured a deal that will see him race in at least three rounds of this year’s FIA World Touring Car Championship. The Northern Irishman has been working on a deal to see him return to racing as he has not competed since he took the top prize in British motorsport last year.
Turkington will make his WTCC return in Portugal on July 4th when he will race one of West Surrey Racing’s BMW’s around the Algarve circuit. He will then contest the following two rounds in Britain and the Czech Republic. Turkington originally made his debut in the WTCC back in 2007 when he entered two race weekends for WSR under the Team RAC and Team Aviva monikers. His best result to-date in the championship is a 3rd, achieved around Brands Hatch.
“I feel this is a natural progression for me after last year’s championship,” said Turkington. “Obviously I know the WSR guys very well. They’re a top team and have been a big part of my success in recent years. I’m also indebted to Dick because he’s been working so hard over the past few months to make this a reality.”
The deal means it is highly unlikely that Turkington will be seen in the BTCC this year, especially as although the deal is initally for three meetings it could be expanded to cover the rest of the season with a view to tackling a whole season in 2011.