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Colin Turkington rejoins West Surrey Racing

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Colin Turkington is to rejoin the team that carried him to his two BTCC titles after confirmation that he has agreed a deal with West Surrey Racing for the 2017 season

Turkington clinched championship honours in both 2009 and 2014 with the BMW team, but commercial issues prevented him from defending his title on either occasion.

Having announced last month that he was to leave Team BMR after two seasons, Turkington was immediately linked with a return to WSR and terms have now been agreed a deal that will see him back behind the wheel of a BMW 125i M Sport for the season ahead.

In what will be his tenth season with Dick Bennetts’ team, the 34-year-old will line up alongside 2013 BTCC champion Andrew Jordan, with the third seat expected to be filled in the coming weeks.

“It feels fantastic to re-join WSR for the 2017 season and I couldn’t be more excited about my return,” he said. “From my debut in touring cars in 2002 right through to winning my second BTCC title, it’s been like a second home for me and my greatest achievements in motor racing have all come with them.

“Combining our accumulated rear-wheel-drive expertise and strong work ethic is a recipe for success and I’m confident this gives me the perfect opportunity to fight for honours once again.

“I’m particularly looking forward to driving the BMW 125i M Sport and see the developments that have come about since 2014.”

WSR boss Bennetts was also delighted to be able to confirm Turkington’s return, insisting that the only aim with the team’s new look line-up was to go for the title.

“It’s great have Colin back for 2017,” he said. “His performances with various WSR BMWs have been extremely strong and he’s been a key part of our most successful seasons in the BTCC in 2009 and 2014.

“There’s definitely a sense of unfinished business as, despite our intentions, commercial reasons meant we weren’t able to stay together to defend our championships. We now head into 2017 with a very strong driver line-up, and we’re aiming for more titles.”