Currently second only in the standings to reigning champion Matt Neal, Colin Turkington (Portadown) says he's unphased at the prospect of any mounting pressure as he seeks to become the newest name to lift the coveted Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship winner's trophy.
Northern Irishman Turkington arrives at Oulton Park, Cheshire this Sunday (14 May) just two points adrift of Neal, who took control of the title race with two wins at Mondello Park recently.
Turkington, aged just 24, has yet to win a race in 2006 in his Team RAC MG, but four podium positions in the opening six rounds mean he's enjoying the best start to a BTCC season since he made his debut in the championship - at Oulton - precisely four years ago.
"I'm not too bothered I haven't won yet," said Turkington. "We're only six rounds in, the MG is performing better than I've ever known so I think it's only a matter of time before we get a win or two. In fact, in about four days' time would be great!
"I don't think our car is yet the quickest out there, but what we have got is great consistency. The car is still fast and above all it's reliable and we keep getting the results that keep you in the hunt.
"I tested it last week and feel we've taken another step forward. That test was important - your rivals are always moving forward so you mustn't get left behind."
Turkington believes he's got what it takes to handle the pressure if - as appears likely on current form - he's still a title contender when the season moves into its second half later in the year. It would be a brave new world for Turkington, as his rivals will not only include Neal but also SEAT team-mates Jason Plato and James Thompson, themselves proven champions in the BTCC.
Neal, who himself took 15 years of trying to finally break his BTCC title duck, has said Turkington's inexperience could work against him when the pressure starts to intensify.
Turkington added: "Matt's comments are understandable, but I've shown I can win races and I've won titles in the past. OK, the BTCC is on a much larger scale, but this is by far my best opportunity to be a title contender and that's making me more motivated than I've ever been in my career."
The BTCC will be in race action three times at Oulton Park on Sunday and the crowds will also be able to meet the drivers for autographs and give-aways during the hugely popular Pit Lane Walkabout. In addition, there will be a further six championship races from high-profile manufacturers BMW, Porsche, Renault and SEAT.
