Following eBay’s conclusion of their sponsorship deal with West Surrey Racing, reigning Dunlop MSA British Touring Car champion Colin Turkington has admitted that he is in talks with other teams to increase his chances of being on the 2015 grid to defend his title.
The Northern Irishman picked up his second BTCC crown earlier this October at Brands Hatch following eight wins in 2014 that saw him beat Jason Plato to the title, his WSR BMW squad clinching the overall and Independents Teams’ Championships also.
Turkington collected eight wins in 2014 – Credit: Jakob Ebrey Photography
However, the West Surrey team recently lost title sponsor eBay last week after a five-year partnership, Turkington explaining to Autosport that the news has left the reigning champion on the hunt for potential backup options down the paddock should the BMW squad not find a replacement backer to help him defend his championship.
“With eBay not being involved it is making it difficult for me to be there,” said Turkington. “It came as a real surprise to all of us.
“My number one priority is to be on the BTCC grid. I see myself as a British Touring Car driver and I don’t want a repeat of 2009-10. I am talking to other teams. At the moment I am unattached.”
The scenario bears similarities already to 2010, when Turkington was ultimately left unable to defend his maiden BTCC crown with WSR following the demise of the team’s then sponsor, RAC, not aided due to budget concerns on that occasion.
Turkington had previously told The Checkered Flag that he fully intends to stay in the BTCC for 2015, having previously spent a spell between 2010 and 2012 in the World Touring Car Championship where he picked up one win in Japan.
“That’s certainly the plan, yes”, Turkington said on his bid to remain in BTCC with the #1 plate in 2015. “I want to drive with the number one on the car for the first time that’s for sure.”
WSR Dick Bennetts added: “We have enjoyed a great partnership with eBay and I am extremely proud of everyone at WSR, by securing both Drivers’ Titles with Colin Turkington and both Teams’ Titles with the help of Rob Collard and Nick Foster this year. Plans for next season are moving apace and we hope to be in a position to confirm our first driver very shortly.”
Turkington also claimed further accolades on Sunday evening, after being voted the Autosport National Driver of the Year.
Colin Turkington In BTCC:
BTCC races
275
Race wins
32
RWD wins/FWD wins
26/6
Podiums
92
Driver’s titles
2 (2009, 2014)