Colin Turkington and Team BMR have agreed to part ways ahead of the 2017 British Touring Car Championship season, leaving the former double champion looking for a drive.
Turkington joined the Buntingford-based outfit for the 2015 season, initially campaigning a Volkswagen CC before joining the team in a switch to works-backed Subarus last year.
In 2016, Turkington finished as the best-placed BMR driver in the championship, taking five wins in the Subaru Levorg GT estate, including the first-ever win for the Japanese make in the BTCC.
Team Principal Warren Scott thanked the Northern Irishman for his efforts in making the team a regular contender at the front of the field and in the title battle.
“Colin has been an absolute pleasure to work with over the past two seasons and has brought a tremendous amount of knowledge to the team, which has aided BMR in its growth and development as a front-running BTCC team,” said Scott.
“I wish Colin good luck for the forthcoming season and would like to thank him for all his efforts and great achievements that he has brought to BMR.”
Turkington added that the departure was by mutual consent, with the 34-year-old expected to be seeking a deal with a rival team for 2017.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Team BMR and will savour the success we shared together over the past two seasons,” added Turkington. “However, the time has come to part company and apply the focus to each of our own individual goals and needs.
“I sincerely value the journey we have shared together, securing the Teams’ Championship in 2015, winning my fifth Independents’ title and of course the thrilling year we have just had with the Subaru Levorg.
“I have been fortunate to work with some of the best in the business at BMR and it has been a valuable experience and certainly helped me grow and improve.
“The BTCC is surely one of the toughest championships in the world to win, and to finish last season with a realistic shot at winning the title in a new car was a tremendous achievement. I wish Team BMR every success going forward and I hope that they are just as proud of our two seasons together as I am.”