Colin Turkington hoping to benefit from Thruxton test

Colin Turkington says he is keen to make the most of a solid test at Thruxton when the BTCC rolls into Donington Park this weekend for the second meeting of the season.

The defending champion secured a best finish of fifth during the season opener on his first outing in the new BMW 330i M Sport and makes the trip to the East Midlands circuit lying 13th in the championship standings.

A lack of success ballast should work in the Northern Irishman’s favour at a circuit where the new car is expected to be strong, with the 37-year-old confident about a solid weekend on track.

“I feel we took a good step forward at the Thruxton test, with the focus of making the BMW 3 Series a bit more user-friendly and more suited to my driving style,” he said. “We’re definitely moving in the right direction and I go to Donington Park with more confidence and a stronger base set-up than I had at Brands Hatch.

“I didn’t feel at one with the new car over that weekend which made it difficult to attack, but in qualifying and race three, the pace was clear to see. Andrew [Jordan] proved what the 3 Series is capable of by winning race two and despite Donington not being one of our strongest tracks in recent times, I think the circuit will play to the strengths of the 3 Series’ excellent aerodynamics.”