Ash Sutton: “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I could defend my title”

Team BMR’s Ash Sutton carries the #1 on his Subaru Levorg in 2018 – and insists he wouldn’t be back for another crack at the BTCC if he didn’t think he could defend his title.

A whirlwind first season with Warren Scott’s squad – only his second in the BTCC – led to a dramatic title win on finals day at Brands Hatch, where he pipped Colin Turkington in the Kent gloom.

The 24-year-old will once again be partnered by Jason Plato and Josh Price in a slightly-downsized three-car team.

Talking about the difference his title win has made to his life, Sutton said: “It has opened a few doors and made talking to sponsors a bit easier. But, as a whole, you still do your day-to-day job and you still live your life normally.

“It’s only when you get to the circuit that you get back into that rhythm and crack on.”

It was two years ago at Donington Park that Sutton announced himself to the BTCC fraternity with a strong showing in the media day test, but he admitted he couldn’t have foreseen the success which has followed.

Asked if he had expected to win a title so quickly, Sutton said: “No, definitely not. I think we all know how hard the BTCC is at the moment, there are so many quality drivers here and we are all going for that title.

“It was the right move to switch over to Subaru when I did and I just made the most of that opportunity.”

Asked if he was confident of mounting a title defence in 2018, Sutton added: “Yes, I wouldn’t be here otherwise!”