![Colin Turkington, Team BMW [WSR], BMW 330i M Sport](https://www.touringcars.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ColinTurkingtonBMW.jpg "Photo: Pat Cranham")
Team BMW’s Colin Turkington believes he is ‘in the box seat’ to score well in this weekend’s British Touring Car Championship races at Donington Park, as he seeks to close in on points leader Ash Sutton.
Turkington heads to the Derbyshire venue fourth overall in the drivers’ standings, 40 points adrift of reigning champion Sutton.
But as a result, Turkington will carry 48 kg of success ballast into qualifying and race one – 27 kg less than Sutton.
The Northern Irishman has won seven times at Donington before, and he has won three of the last six races held at the circuit since switching to the BMW 330i M Sport in 2019.
“It’s no secret that the final two events carry a different air to the previous ones,” said Turkington. “The effort from the whole team that goes into our championship campaigns is monumental.
“As we get closer to the final, this investment of effort provides such a force of energy. I’ve always felt so honoured to be involved in the title fight the past eight years and have grown to relish these moments of opportunity.
“It’s an exciting prospect to have a chance at winning and I’ll be drawing on all my years of experience to give it all I’ve got over these next two events.
“At this stage I have to take points away from Ash and a pretty decent amount at that. That’s the aim and it’s completely possible.
“We had a competitive car at Donington Park last year, and I’m confident we’ll bring a strong package there this time around. It’s important to enjoy this run-in and this is one of my favourite places to race at.”
Turkington expects that having a slightly lighter car on Saturday will help him as he tries to find the sweet spot in the battle for pole position – a feat he has achieved on each of his last two visits to the circuit.
“Saturday’s practice sessions will fly by; it doesn’t leave much time to dial the car in, so having a slightly lighter car should speed up that process.
“Good track position will be vital to get the races off to a successful start and will be helpful in keeping out of trouble.
“There’s a lot at stake for everyone on the grid but I’m in the box seat to score well this weekend, and will do whatever it takes to put my best foot forward.”