COLIN Turkington says every point collected could prove decisive in his pursuit of a record-breaking fifth British Touring Car Championship title despite the previous two events failing to match up to his own high standards.
Turkington completed the three rounds at Thruxton earlier this month ninth, seventh and seventh respectively to slip two places to fourth in the competition’s standings.
He fared no better around Snetterton at the end of May as he could only muster eighth, fifteenth and seventh in his BMW 330e M Sport – a consequence of his hybrid energy power being heavily capped for qualifying.
Oulton Park – a 2.23-mile track in Cheshire – hosts round 13, 14 and 15 this Sunday before the UK’s leading tin top series catches its breath during the traditional month-long summer break.
For Turkington, the need to score well is going to be imperative if he is to hang on to the coat tails of the NAPA Racing Ford of leader Ash Sutton (NAPA Racing UK), the BMW of second-placed Jake Hill (Laster Tools Racing with MB Motorsport), and the Hyundai of third-placed Tom Ingram (EXCELR8 Motorsport).
The layout is one that has traditionally suited Turkington, who has finished on the top step there eleven times in his career, including each of the four campaigns he went on to be crowned champion.
“We had to dust ourselves down after Thruxton and re-focus – but I am really looking forward to Oulton Park. Everyone will get their run of tough races, so it is important for me to remain positive that we have kept on picking up points regardless of what is going on around me,” said the 42-year-old.
“Come the season finale, this is sure to be the defining factor because it is a long and hard season; remaining consistent for 30 races from April to October is the challenge, but I am fired up for that.
“The British Touring Car Championship is not meant to be easy and just when you think you have things sorted, it always has a way of shaking things up. As a race fan, I would be buzzing for this weekend as I think Oulton is going to close the first half out with some thrilling entertainment.”
Being fourth in the title battle does bring about a greater amount of hybrid allocation; this will total seven seconds a lap for qualifying on Saturday afternoon, and four laps for Sunday’s first race (12.25pm). Races two and three are pencilled in for 2.40pm and 5.25pm respectively.
“There are some fantastic circuits coming up for the BMW, circuits I thoroughly enjoy. It will also be great to get the soft compound Goodyear tyre on for qualifying and see what we can do with the extra bit of hybrid deployment. It is important we make it count when we have it,” he added.