Colin Turkington says he has ‘two main jobs’ in this weekend’s British Touring Car Championship finale at Brands Hatch, as he seeks to help BMW and Jake Hill achieve title successes.
Mathematically in contention for the drivers’ title, in reality the Northern Irishman is out of the mix, as he sits sixth in the standings and is likely to see his title chances formally extinguished in race one on Sunday.
Instead, Turkington’s attention will be focussed on both helping BMW to win a record tenth manufacturers’ title, if he and his WSR colleagues can overturn a four-point deficit to the Alliance Racing-run Ford team, and assisting stable-mate Hill’s bid for a maiden drivers’ championship.
The 42-year-old last won on the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit back in 2020, taking his tally of wins on the longer circuit to four.
He is targeting further podiums this weekend, and following a strong run of form following the mid-season break, Turkington is looking forward to this weekend.
“We have two main jobs this weekend; to win a record tenth manufacturers’ crown for BMW and to make sure a WSR driver wins the drivers’ title,” said Turkington.
“The BMW’s always been a great-handling car and that should play to our advantage this weekend.
“We’ve had great speed since the summer break and we’ll obviously try and be fast straight out of the box.
“You learn that in the BTCC, it’s never done until the fat lady sings so as a team we’ll do everything we possibly can to come home with the big trophies.”
Turkington reflected on his season, and the fact that his title chances realistically slipped away last time out at Silverstone when he picked up his first retirement of the year after falling off the circuit in wet conditions in the final race.
“It just hasn’t been my year for the championship this time. You need things to go your way and unfortunately, my bad luck has tallied up ruling me out of contention.
“Everyone has their story why it hasn’t come together for them, and for me, there were a few things that cost me valuable points.
“Nevertheless, I’m proud I’ve given my all this season and despite things not going my way, have kept pushing and fighting.
“The aim is to carry on with our recent form and pick up some more podiums. There’s a big battle on for the drivers’ and manufacturers’ titles, and if I can deliver the personal results I’m after this should help get that over the line.
“It’s going to be thrilling weekend of racing as everyone wants to end on a high and make their way further up the championship table.
“Brands GP is a fantastic circuit and I’m excited about getting out there, with everything to gain and putting on a great show for the fans!”