Turkington on board with Team BMR and thrilled at Subaru link

The Portadown-born driver, a British winner in 2009 and 2014, won last season’s Independents’ Drivers’ Championship but has his sights set on the main event across the forthcoming campaign.

Turkington this week confirmed an extension to his commitment with Team BMR and feels the arrival of manufacturer support from Subaru can provide a crucial boost.

“I am pleased to have something sorted out so early with Team BMR and believe I have found another good home, with a car capable of fighting for wins and titles,” said Turkington. “We were competitive last year and that was even with the fact that it naturally took time to adjust to a new team and surroundings.

“I think we put in place some really good foundations last season and can hopefully start the new year with that shorthand in place between us all that can only help communication and progress.”

The partnership between Team BMR and Subaru marks another innovative addition to Turkington’s title prospects.

“The Subaru name has a rich history within the world of motorsport and it is certainly an exciting project,” said Turkington. “The three-year commitment in place is really positive and as a driver I was always 100 per cent certain my future was with Team BMR.

“It is going to be a new car so the guys are working hard on putting everything together in time for the season.

“Testing time may be limited because of those circumstances but I can always clock up some miles behind the wheel in other ways.

“Hopefully it will be a case of being able to hit the ground running once the season starts.

“I have a successful working relationship with engineer Kevin Berry and together we have previously helped to turn cars into winners.

“It is great to have Kevin at Team BMR.

“Hopefully, it will be the same success now and the return to rear-wheel drive is something I am obviously familiar with so comfortable stepping into that situation.

“I am confident we will have a car capable of challenging straight out of the box, thanks to the team’s hard work.

“Reliability is important across those early races and now we are just excited about the next stage.”

The campaign will start at Brands Hatch in April.