Turkington content with damage limitation weekend

British Touring Car Championship points leader Colin Turkington battled through a 'tough' Thruxton weekend to maintain his championship lead ahead of BMW team mate Andrew Jordan.

For the first time this season, Turkington failed to finish in the top-five during any of the three races, but the defending three-time champion still managed to pick up 10 points, which has preserved a 30-point lead ahead of Jordan.

Turkington and Jordan qualified down in 11th and 13th respectively ahead of race one, with neither driver able to make much progress as the race day materialised.

The reigning champion managed a best finish of ninth in race two, adding to a duo of 13th place finishes.

“It’s been a tough day and a tough weekend. The qualifying result has determined our raceday because it’s incredibly difficult to get yourself out of the pack when the field is so evenly-matched," said Turkington.

"We knew last night that the key here would be to minimise the points loss, and finishing all three races at least did that. If this is the worst day we have points-wise all year, I’ll take it."

With his points lead still firmly intact, Turkington and West Surrey Racing travel to Knockhill, a circuit which has traditionally been a happy hunting ground for the BMW contingent.

"I’m still 30 points ahead in the championship, which is more than a race win, and next we go to Knockhill, which is a track where the BMWs have always gone well."