Team RAC to run BMW E90

Team RAC has this morning announced it will use BMW’s 320si E90 model in this year’s Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, also confirming that Northern Ireland’s Colin Turkington will race one of the cars. The car, identical to that driven to World Touring Car Championship glory in 2006 by Andy Priaulx, is currently on display in Hall 6 at the Autosport International Show at Birmingham’s NEC.

The E90 is built to S2000 specification – the set of technical regulations used in the WTCC for some seasons and which in 2007 will take over as the BTCC’s primary formula.

Turkington, meanwhile, will start the 2007 season as one of the championship favourites after challenging for the outright Drivers’ crown in 2006 and finishing third overall with two race wins.

Dick Bennetts, whose WSR company runs the Team RAC programme, said: “Having decided not to design and build new cars for 2007, we conducted considerable research into all available options and have chosen the BMW 320si and are looking forward to the challenge in 2007.

“BMW Motorsport is a very professional organisation and able to provide the level of technical support required by Team RAC. We’re also delighted to retain Colin for this season. His results last season were superb and we’re confident in his ability to be at the front of the pack this time around too.”

Leading roadside assistance company RAC entered the BTCC in 2006 with title sponsorship of Bennetts’ front-running squad. The championship’s unrivalled standing as Britain’s most popular four-wheeled motor racing enabled it to make a huge splash on and off the track in front of hundreds of thousands of people at the circuits and many millions more on the ITV television channel.

Debbie Hewitt, Managing Director RAC, commented: “We are delighted to confirm that Team RAC will be racing the BMW 320si E90. 2006 was a superb inaugural season for Team RAC and we’re looking forward to building on that in 2007.

“RAC thoroughly enjoyed working with Colin Turkington last season and his performances for us were outstanding, so we were very keen for him to be retained. With the performance of the BMW confirmed and Colin behind the wheel, supported by a superb team, we are confident RAC will have reason to cheer