Colin Turkington: “I messed up”

Colin Turkington is close to taking his first ever British Touring Car Championship title. But the qualifying saw him struggle down in tenth position with his championship rivals in the top.
“I messed up with a gear change and that made the difference, but well done to Tom – he’s done a stellar job,” Turkington said to crash.net.

Turkington is expecting to be stronger in the race compared to the qualifying performance.

“I’d have liked to have been higher but we’ve seen before the front-wheel-drive cars put in some really fast qualifying laps and then the rear-wheel-drive BMWs come back in race trim,” said Turkington.

Main championship rivals Jason Plato and Fabrizio Giovanardi qualified second and third respectively with just three thousands of a second between them.

Defending champion Giovanardi is expecting Turkington to climb in the race.

“I’m a little surprised to be third because I am still learning this circuit. It’s a good result for the championship for the fans who want to see an exciting show, but I expect Colin to come up the order tomorrow,” said Giovanardi.