“Class act” Colin Turkington pleased with second row slot

Colin Turkington admitted he was delighted to secure a place on the second row of the grid at Knockhill with a lap he described as his “biggest of the season”.

Despite carrying maximum ballast thanks to his position as championship leader, the West Surrey Racing man produced one of the star performances of the session to put his BMW third fastest behind title rival Ash Sutton and the Honda of Jake Hill.

The Northern Irishman had lapped solidly in both free practice sessions and was able to put in a rapid lap just before the red flag caused by Matt Neal going off on the exit of the chicane.

That lap provisionally put him on the front row and despite being knocked back by Hill, the defending champion was delighted with his performance.

“I’m really pleased with today’s result,” he said. “In Knockhill qualifying, you always have to produce your biggest lap of the season, so I managed to do that and pull one out of the bag.

“The team improved the car throughout and the BMW was definitely the best it’s been all day for that qualifying session. At Knockhill you really have to attack the first corner and the chicane and there were times when I was thinking ‘where’s the road gone?’ because I was up on two wheels.

“I got some clear track on my middle run, which was when I did the time, but after the red flag I didn’t get the empty circuit, so didn’t have a chance to improve. This sets us up well for tomorrow.”

Team boss Dick Bennetts was delighted to see Turkington put his car on the second row.

“We’re set up pretty well for tomorrow with that performance,” he said. “Colin showed what a class act he is again with a very good lap on maximum ballast. I’d have preferred him to be on the front row with a clear line of sight to the first corner tomorrow, but third is still a good place to be.

“The fans should definitely watch because five of the championship contenders are starting in the top six and the gaps are non-existent, so the racing should be great.”