Donington Park - The Big One: Interview
We caught up with Colin ahead of the final meeting at Donington Park
to ask him his thoughts on the year so far for him,
his chances for the Independent's title and more
Q. You said before the start of the season that your aim was to win races. Are you pleased or disappointed that you've only had one victory so far this season?
CT: For sure I would like to have one more than one race, but the season is not over yet! It has been a difficult year for us, with a lack of pre-season testing; the car did not really come on strong until half way through the year. I’m so glad I won the race at Mondello Park, it was the best day of my life.
Q. Just like last year, in the second half of the season your form improved greatly with that win, podium visits and several fastest laps. What would you say were the main factors in this?
CT: It’s pretty much down to a lack of winter testing. Unfortunately the deal to run the 4 cylinder MG with me in the car wasn’t finalised until March, which is very late in the day. This is an immediate disadvantage, instead of hitting the ground running at the first race, we are still learning about the car. The characteristics of the car changed a lot when we removed the V6 and opted for the 4 cylinder, so there was a lot of learning to do again. The V6 engine is almost 60 kilograms heavier than the 4 cylinder, so this illustrates how big a change it was.
Q. We've seen the bold and daring side of Colin Turkington emerge more as the season has progressed through your passing moves, particularly on Plato at Mondello, Eaves at Croft and the superb show in the third race at Knockhill. Is this a sign of your continuing development as a driver?
CT: For sure, I have learnt a lot in my three years in touring cars and am continuing to do so. Being successful in this championship is all about a good car and a wealth of experience. All the guys at the top of the table have been there for some time. I have been taking notes from Anthony, he is never backwards in coming forwards. Being able to pass through the field is all really down to the car. If it is working well and capable of overtaking others then you do it.
Q. How much encouragement has the large turnout of MG fans at every meeting given yourself and Anthony?
CT: I never take the support we get from the MG fans for granted, they have been absolutely amazing these past two years. When MG withdrew their official support at the end of 2003, I think the supporters got behind us even more. We are definitely the most well supported team at the circuit, I love driving past them and seeing how excited they all get. The financial support they have put into the team as well this year has been tremendous.
Q. Will you be going all out for the Independent's title this weekend or would you be happy for Anthony to win and play a supporting role to him if you needed to?
CT: My main priority and focus for the weekend is to try and win the Independents title, but it will not be easy. Anthony is 19 points ahead of me, but there are 45 points still available. Even if I don’t win, it will be a great achievement for WSR to take the title.
Q. How does the car go at Donington now compared to the pre-season test day?
CT: It’s very different. The pre-season test was the first time I sat in the car, so it was really more of a shakedown for us. The pace of the car has greatly improved since then, so I am expecting the car to be really fast.
Q. Do you think your teammate Anthony Reid can win the BTCC Masters Race this weekend?
CT: I think it’s going to be very much a lottery who wins the race. It’ll be a question of who can dial their car in best on the day and get it to last over the 20 laps. Take it for granted, Anthony will never be too far away! I would love to see him win.
Q. Do all the young drivers in the BTCC get on well together off the track, despite being fiercely competitive on it?
CT: I try to keep myself to myself. It’s difficult when you start becoming friendly with someone you race with; they are all enemies on the track! All the lads in the championship are great guys, but we never get to socialize, therefore I don’t really know them any more than saying ‘hi’.
Q. We've heard a little rumour that you've done a spot of TV presenting back home in Northern Ireland. Is this true and is it something you'd do more of? Would you like to be test driving supercars on TV like Jason Plato and Tiff Needell?
CT: That’s right, I presented a kids educational program for BBC Northern Ireland about the impact of cars on the environment. I really enjoyed the experience but it is actually quite nerve wrecking when you’re not used to it. I wouldn’t mind doing the test driving bit if someone else fancied doing the talking.
Questions by Iain Wells and Suzy Mitchell
