Turkington ready for BTCC title defence

Defending British Touring Car champion Colin Turkington says he's 'incredibly motivated to bring something new to his game' as the Team BMW driver prepares to kick-start the defence of his 2018 title at Brands Hatch this weekend.

The three-time champion will chase a record equalling fourth BTCC title in new machinery this season with his West Surrey Racing outfit switching from the BMW 125i M Sport to the latest evolution of the legendary 3 Series model.

All three of the brand new BMW 330i M Sport machines took to the circuit for the first time last week, with Turkington ending the Brands Hatch pre-season test seventh fastest, while his WSR team mates Andrew Jordan and Tom Oliphant also displayed promising pace in fourth and twelfth.

Despite winning all three of his previous BTCC titles with WSR, 2019 marks the first time where Turkington will defend his drivers' crown with the BMW squad.

“This is the first time I’ve been able to continue with WSR after a title-winning season and I’m thrilled we can do this in a new car for Team BMW," said Turkington.

"I’ve been working closely with the engineering team and we’re doing everything we can to fast-track our understanding of the 330i M Sport. The grid looks as strong as ever and I’m prepared to battle hard for points.

"It won’t be easy to retain my title, but ultimately that’s the target and I’m incredibly motivated to bring something new to my game in 2019. The greatest show in town is about to get going and I couldn’t be happier to be involved.”