Turkington back on board with West Surrey Racing

Portadown's Colin Turkington with his second British Touring Car Championship title in 2014. Pic by Rea Finlay.

Turkington’s connection with the WSR stable tracks back 15 years including his championship debut in 2002 - with that timeframe producing two British titles and four Independent Drivers’ crowns.

It will put Turkington back behind the wheel of a BMW 125i M Sport, a car he guided to championship glory in 2014.

Dick Bennett’s Sunbury-on-Thames-based team finished 2016 as winners of the Manufacturers’/Constructors’ and Teams’ championships.

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

“I’m confident our rear-wheel drive expertise and shared work ethic will be a successful formula and allow us to fight for honours once more.

“I’m particularly keen to drive the BMW 125i M Sport again and feel the improvements that have come about since 2014.

“Work for this season has already begun and I can’t wait to slip back in and get busy making this year a great success for all involved.”

Turkington also represented WSR across rounds of the World Touring Car Championship in 2007, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

“Colin, no doubt, is one of the fastest and most consistent BTCC drivers, and although we were not surprised, his results last year were nothing short of impressive,” said Bennetts, the WSR team principal. “He continues to push the boundaries and works extremely hard at his racing.

“To have this passion and ambition in our driver line-up for 2017 is a huge impetus for us and we are looking forward to getting him back in the car and hitting the track.”