WSR and BMW continue their fight for the British Touring Car Championship this weekend at the UK’s fastest circuit, Thruxton, as the battle for supremacy intensifies.
With just three triple-header rounds remaining of the 2022 season, the fight for the crown has never been more closely-fought with four drivers just 25 points apart at the top of the table.
“This is the business end of the season, and while you still get the same points for a win or a fifth place in any one of the 30 races, it feels like every position is that bit more valuable and that lost points are magnified now,” commented Dick Bennetts, Team Principal. “That’s especially true when you have multiple cars in the thick of the title battle and are in a strong position in the Teams’ and Manufacturers’ Championships, as we are.
“The team and drivers have performed magnificently since the summer break and we’re looking to continue that at Thruxton. It’s a circuit that has usually favoured front-wheel-drive cars, but we’ve proven the BMW 330e M Sport can be competitive everywhere this season. BMW UK’s headquarters is in nearby Farnborough so the aim will be to reward their fantastic support for our programme with more strong results this weekend.”
Two of these are BMW 330e M Sport drivers Colin Turkington and Jake Hill, who lie first and third in the standings with a combined five wins and 19 podium finishes from the opening 21 races.
Four-time champion Colin arrives in Hampshire off the back of a superb double win at Snetterton and holds a 15-point advantage over his nearest rival, Tom Ingram, in the standings.
The Northern Irishman, who started his 500th BTCC race in Norfolk is a four-time winner at Thruxton and memorably triumphed by more than 11 seconds in 2006.
WSR stablemate Jake twice finished second at Snetterton for ROKiT MB Motorsport and sits third in the standings – 24 behind Colin – as he continues to enjoy the best season of his BTCC career.
The Kent racer was second in both races at Thruxton when the BTCC made its first visit of 2022 to Hampshire in May, each time less than a second away from victory.
Stephen Jelley’s recent strong form, which included a pair of top-five finishes last time out, allowed Team BMW to take the lead of the Teams’ Championship for the first time in 2022.
The Leicester racer is seeking to add to his Oulton Park victory and to move up from his current 10th place in the Drivers’ points.
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