Team BMW came away from the opening weekend of their triple British Touring Car Championship title defence hugely encouraged by the performance of the new BMW 330i M Sport at Brands Hatch.
Not only did the WSR-run car win in the hands of BMW Pirtek Racing driver Andrew Jordan, stable-mate and reigning champion Colin Turkington was able to deliver his own blistering performance, setting fastest lap and recording a top-five finish in the final race of the day.
“We can be very satisfied with this weekend,” commented Kiwi team principal, Dick Bennetts. “Colin finished fifth in Race Three and looked very strong, and had we started higher up, we probably would have been in the running for a podium.
“We will have to work a little bit with Colin to get the car to suit his driving style, but it will come. I’m also very impressed with Tom, who recorded his best result in the BTCC this weekend. At no point did he look any different to the other two, who are both champions, and was right on Colin’s tail in Race Three.
“Overall this has been a very good weekend and considering how many hours everyone has put in to get these three BMW 330i M Sports ready for this weekend, the results are a tremendous testament to the team’s hard work.
“All three cars finished all three races, which is excellent reliability. To have a win [through BMW Pirtek Racing’s Andrew Jordan] with the brand-new car, complete with two fastest laps, shows we have a lot to look forward to.”
Turkington and his impressive new team-mate Tom Oliphant were not able to capitalise on strong qualifying performances for Race One, when difficult conditions left them no choice but to opt to start on wet tyres.
This compromised their race pace as drivers lower down the grid who had gambled on slicks gained an advantage on the drying track.
Starting in the midfield in Race Two, Colin and Tom worked their way back up to 14th and 15th on the less competitive Dunlop option tyre, setting the stage for a grandstand finish, which they duly delivered.
In an eventful final race of the day Colin, now on the control tyre and without ballast, charged through, passing nine cars on his way to fifth and fastest lap. While Tom impressively tracked him throughout to record his career-best BTCC finish in sixth.
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