Reigning British Touring Car Champion Colin Turkington will remain in the British Touring Car Championship in 2019, defending his title with WSR under the ‘Team BMW’ banner.
Turkington won his third title in 2018, defeating Speedworks Motorsport’s Tom Ingram in a close season which saw the Northern Irishman record consistent points but only one outright victory.
The 36-year-old will be gunning for a record-equalling fourth title in 2019, being partnered by Tom Oliphant in the Team BMW squad.
“My 2018 title was definitely one of my best, and my goal is always to achieve just that; be the best I can in both life and motorsport,” said Turkington. “Becoming a triple champion felt great, but I’m hungry for much more and racing with Team BMW in the BTCC gives me this opportunity.
“Now I have to ask myself ‘how can I improve for this coming season and how can I be a better driver?’.
“I’m thrilled by the commitment from BMW that allows me to stay in one of the most desired seats in global touring cars and with a team who continue to set the benchmark.
“Team BMW is the place to be and we want to make history together. This is where I’m happiest; with people I trust, and when I’m happy, I perform.”
Turkington has spent much of his BTCC career with WSR, contesting 308 out of 398 races with the West Surrey Racing team, having made his début with WSR in 2002.
Dick Bennetts, WSR Team Principal, is delighted to be able to defend the drivers’ title with Turkington – as on both of the previous occasions in which Turkington has won the championship he has been forced to leave the team.
“I’m extremely pleased that Colin will defend his title with us, allowing WSR to carry #1 on a BTCC car for the first time, and equally proud that BMW has chosen to continue its support of our programme,” said Bennetts.
“Colin is one of the world’s best touring car drivers and has spent the majority of his career with us, so we’ve developed an environment here that allows us all to get the best out of each other.
“I can’t think of a manufacturer who has achieved more in touring car racing globally than BMW, so to continue to be associated with them in 2019 is a great honour for our team.
“We’ve won 10 overall BTCC titles in the past 10 seasons – all with BMWs – so to have their continued support in 2019 is a reflection of their belief in our team to get the job done.”