Colin Turkington ‘enjoying the pace of the season more than ever’

Colin Turkington says he is enjoying the pace of the British Touring Car Championship ‘more than ever’ as the fifth event of the year takes place at Thruxton this weekend.

Reigning champion Turkington is the current championship leader, with the Northern Irishman holding 182 points after the first 12 races and with two wins to his name so far.

After four events in five weeks in August, Thruxton comes after a three-week break for the championship. Turkington admits that he has enjoyed the frantic pace of the coronavirus-delayed start of the season.

“I love how busy it’s been with back-to-back races throughout August,” said Turkington. “It’s been a really positive change for me going about the sport in a different way; but to keep going at that intensity would be difficult.

“I’m enjoying the pace and format of this season more than ever, but I think the whole team needed some time to reflect, rest and take stock of where we can improve.”

Turkington has used the time since the last event at Knockhill, where he scored a further two podium finishes, to keep himself fresh for the coming five events.

“The past two weekends have gone really quickly. I’ve spent quite a bit of time looking back over what we did at Knockhill and using that knowledge to prepare as best as I can for Thruxton.

“From Knockhill race day to Thruxton race day is three weeks, which seems like a very long time in this condensed season, so I’ve been back out in my kart to keep sharp as well.

“It’s important we go to Thruxton as prepared as possible, so I’ve been working hard as well as playing hard.

Looking to Thruxton, where the Northern Irishman has taken four of his 53 race wins, Turkington admits the challenge will be with tyre management on the abrasive surface of the fast circuit.

“It’s a completely different challenge, so we’ve had quite a few engineering discussions to make sure we go there with the fastest car we can.

“Thruxton is the only circuit this year where we use the hard-compound tyre, which is because of the abrasive surface and the high-speed, long, loaded corners.

“Stability in those corners is important and that’s an area where the BMW 3 Series is strong because of its long wheelbase.

“Thruxton takes no prisoners, so confidence in the car underneath you is also very important. Being fast is all about managing the tyres, so that will be a key factor on race day.”