Team BMW driver, Colin Turkington has secured his third title in the 2018 season finale of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch. The Northern Irishman is one of only eight drivers to have won three or more BTCC crowns (adding to those he won in 2009 and 2014), after a dramatic and competitive season.
BMW also returned to the podium and were crowned winners of the Manufacturers’ Championship, while WSR-run Team BMW became Team Champions at the Kent track.
Turkington entered the weekend with a 34-point advantage over his nearest rival and a chance to win the title in Race One. Having qualified 17th, he drove a cautious first race to 12th, extending his lead to 36 points.
In the second race however, Turkington encountered a collision which resulted him finishing 22nd. Despite this, Turkington’s consistency in his BMW 125i M Sport throughout the season ensured that he wrapped up his title and lifted the crown.
Colin Turkington, said: “It feels sensational to be a three-time champion. It is special to win it once but to secure the hat-trick is something I never dreamed possible. 2018 was the toughest BTCC season ever both in terms of competitiveness and from a personal point of view. There were 17 different race winners so to come out on top is amazing. The team has done a super job all year, and to win the Drivers’, Teams’ and Manufacturers’ titles is some feat.”
Graeme Grieve, CEO of BMW Group UK, said: “We are absolutely delighted for Colin and Team BMW, particularly as the BTCC is one of the most significant race series in the UK. The title is testament to their commitment and the competiveness of the BMW 125i M Sport.”
BMW UK’s financial investment in the BTCC team included the funding of technical developments on all fronts, focused on the very latest BMW engine technology.
SOURCE: BMW
