Turner “could shock” says Neal

Darren Turner has what it takes to challenge for Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship title at his first attempt, according to reigning champion Matt Neal.

Former McLaren Formula 1 team test driver Turner will contest a full BTCC season for SEAT alongside Jason Plato after impressing on five outings last year.

Neal, who has won the last two titles for his family’s Team Halfords squad, said: “Darren could be right there for the title and give Jason a bit of a shock. He’s a good solid driver who stays out of trouble.”

And Neal reckons the 2007 BTCC, which starts at Brands Hatch on 1 April, could be one of the most open in years. The championship is switching to FIA Super 2000 technical regulations, meaning a new-look grid with rival teams such as Team RAC switching to BMWs and Vauxhall to its larger Vectra model.

Neal, whose own squad is developing a new Honda Civic, added: “There are lots of dark horses… the BMWs? Who knows what they are going to do. That car has won the last two world titles and on paper it should be the business.

“And with three standing starts on race day it should be fantastic away from the line!

“There are also a couple of new Alfa Romeos, plus the SEAT Toledos which should also be fast. It’s going to be tough.

“On top of that there are at least four of the Honda Integras which I drove to my two titles and I know what they’re capable of – they might be the older-spec cars now, but they’re still bloody good and that’s quite worrying.”