Colin Turkington surprised by front row slot

Colin Turkington admitted he was surprised to secure a front row slot in qualifying for the second meeting of the BTCC season at Brands Hatch.

In conditions that weren’t expected to favour the rear-wheel drive BMW 330e M Sport, Turkington looked set to grab pole when – having made it through to the Showdown despite two trips off track – he was able to set a time a fraction of a second quicker than team-mate Jake Hill.

A late lap from Dan Cammish ultimately allowed him to grab pole at the death, but Turkington admitted he was still delighted to be lining up in P2 for the opening race.

“Given those conditions, I wouldn’t have expected to be challenging for pole, so I’m pleased with second,” he said. “It was as tricky as it gets out there and it was tough to drive in. It’s not an easy balance, and it basically depends on how much risk you’re prepared to take when the weather is like that.

“I’m not too disappointed that I am not on pole. Second is arguably a better place to start from and with any luck we’ve got all the wet running out of the way for the season!”

Hill meanwhile was happy with third in the MB Motorsport-entered car having been quickest in Q1.

“The conditions have made today a real battle for all the drivers here at Brands Hatch,” he said. “We were a bit in between conditions in the morning but as the day progressed, we knew we were in for a really wet one!

“The conditions for qualifying were a proper challenge but we’ve shown through both qualifying sessions that we are right in the mix at the front. Yet again, the WSR boys and girls have given me a great car and the Laser Beemer will be up for the challenge tomorrow.”