Turkington has “plenty to learn” about his new BMW

Popular BTCC returnee Colin Turkington says he has “plenty to learn” about his new challenger after sampling his first taste of the series since winning the title in 2009.

The 31-year-old Northern Irishman is back in the championship after a three-season absence, in the familiar surroundings of the West Surrey Racing garage.

Turkington will pilot one of the team’s brand new NGTC BMW 125i machines, and says both he and the team need to familiarise themselves with it quickly.

It is WSR’s first season with an NGTC car, after six years campaigning the venerable S2000 BMW 320si.

Turkington said: “These NGTC cars are a new philosophy and there is plenty to learn from my side.

“The team haven’t had much track time, so it is going to take us a little while to get up to speed. But hopefully we will not be too far away at Brands.

“It is not that much smaller than the old 3 Series and it is going to take a little while to get comfortable in the car. As long as it goes as well as it looks, we will be ok.”

Turkington also reflected on his time away from the championship, when he raced in both the World Touring Car Championship and Scandinavian Touring Car Championship.

He said: “I am delighted to be back. I started racing in this championship when I was 18. I’m 31 now and I’ve only missed three years, which shows you how much I enjoy the championship.

“As with any driver, the more experience you have, the better you get. So although I haven’t been racing in British touring cars I have been racing in other championships, so hopefully I can bring those extra tools to the table.”

On his hopes for the season, Turkington said: “We are always aiming for the podium, and we need keep racking up the points.

“I could do with a bit more time before Brands and I think we will get one more test. Time is tight, but it’s the same for everybody.”

Turkington finished 10th in the media day test at Donington, the best of the team’s three cars.