Team BMW continue their challenge for the British Touring Car Championship at the demanding Donington Park circuit this weekend.
The WSR-run team pushed BMW into a joint-lead in the Manufacturers’ Championship on the debut of the new 330i M Sport at Brands Hatch earlier this month, despite a challenging weekend affected by the weather.
Reigning champion Colin Turkington, who is aiming for a record-equalling fourth BTCC crown this year, qualified the BMW an excellent third at Brands Hatch and scored a best finish of fifth in Race Three.
The Northern Irishman lies 13th in the Drivers’ points and is working hard to get the new 3 Series more in-tune with his driving style, but arrives at Donington with the advantage of no success ballast and as a four-time winner at the East Midlands venue.
Kiwi team principal Dick Bennetts commented, “Considering how little mileage we’d had before Brands Hatch, the speed of the new BMW was extremely promising; we just suffered a bit with the way the weather fell on raceday.
“The test at Thruxton last week helped us to fine-tune a few things and we should be able to take another step forward at Donington.
“It’s traditionally favoured front-wheel-drive cars, but the past few seasons have worked out okay for us with some wins and podiums. Neither Colin, nor Tom, carry success ballast into the event either, so we’re definitely aiming for good points. I guess a lot will depend on the weather again.”
New team-mate Tom Oliphant enjoyed an excellent Team BMW debut at Brands Hatch as the 28-year-old from Leamington Spa scored his best qualifying and race results to date with fifth and sixth.
Donington was the scene of his first top-10 finish in the BTCC, which came last year in just his second weekend in the series.
This weekend’s triple-header is the second of 10 events in the BTCC, which takes in eight circuits the length and breadth of the country.
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