Colin Turkington already focusing on 2015 challenge

Newly crowned BTCC champion Colin Turkington says he’s already focusing on returning to the circuit in 2015 – and says he’s not overly concerned about the new rules introduced by series bosses TOCA since he won his title.

West Surrey Racing’s Turkington was officially presented with his championship trophy at the annual TOCA Night of Champions on Saturday, before his hectic schedule saw him return to the site of his title win on Tuesday for more promotional activities.

Speaking to TouringCarTimes at Brands Hatch, the now double champion said he’s looking forward to a break with his family over Christmas – but the focus has already switched to defending his title.

Turkington said: “It’s been pretty full-on since Brands. It was a great night at the TOCA awards, especially the crowning. It felt pretty special standing up there, and it was nice to officially put 2014 to bed.

“It was our first chance to celebrate as a whole team. But there’s not much time to rest as our focus is on putting a package together for next year. We’re already thinking about 2015.”

The Brands Hatch finale was a hugely emotional one for Turkington and his family, a weekend he has now had a chance to reflect on properly.

“I think the first title was definitely harder to earn, because it is all unfamiliar territory and you are going through the emotions for the first time. You are just ecstatic to be up there with all those famous names,” he said.

“The second time means just as much and is just as much hard work, but the emotion is different.”

Complaints about the perceived advantage of Turkington’s BMW 125i clouded the paddock for much of 2014, and a host of rule changes have been brought in for 2015.

However, the Northern Irishman was calm about the impact they may have on his car’s performance.

He said: “It is difficult to know until you put the car on the track – you don’t quite know what to expect. But I don’t think there is anything too dramatic to worry about.

“Achieving a balance of performance is difficult, but it was fine last year, and the fact that these changes are quite subtle show that.”

The story of Colin Turkington’s title triumph was told as part of ITV4’s end of season BTCC review. In case you missed it, you can catch up online with the programme now. (UK only)