Colin Turkington seeks to maintain advantage at Oulton Park

Colin Turkington says he is targeting another strong weekend at Oulton Park to maintain his lead in the BTCC standings.

The WSR driver moved eleven points clear in the standings at Croft and heads for the Cheshire circuit hopeful of another strong weekend with the new BMW 330i M Sport.

Whilst maximum ballast will work against him, the Northern Irishman said he was confident of being able to push for podium finishes to ensure he leads the way into the summer break.

“I feel happy with where we are with the 3 Series and the development so far, so the plan is to really attack the weekend from the outset and go into the summer break with the momentum on our side,” he said.

“Going to Oulton Park as championship leader obviously presents its own challenges. Unfortunately, Oulton is one of the most difficult tracks to carry weight at with several uphill exits from slow-speed corners, so qualifying won’t be easy on maximum ballast.

“However, I’m confident we’ll still be able to race well and score some good points – and the aim is to get onto the podium at some stage.”

Team-mate Tom Oliphant meanwhile will be racing the BMW on home soil for the first time and said he hoped to make the most of being light on ballast to put himself near the sharp end of the grid.

“Grid position is particularly important there, because the narrow track makes it difficult to overtake and you really need to get your elbows out to go forwards,” he said, “but I’ll arrive with no weight in the car, which will definitely be an advantage so I’m focussed on starting right at the front.

“I’ve had some terrible luck recently, so what we need above all else is a clean weekend and three consistent finishes. I can’t help but think my fortunes have to change soon – and where better than Oulton this weekend…”