Team RAC driver Colin Turkington faced the media at Brands Hatch yesterday ahead of the 2008 HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship, which starts on Sunday 30 March. 

Championship challenger Colin Turkington appeared on stage to introduce the new season to assembled journalists before giving them a taste of the British Touring Car experience in Team RAC’s BMW 320si.

The Northern Irishman is the reigning BTCC Independent Drivers’ Champion after an impressive 2007 season.  He also contested two rounds of the World Touring Car Championship as a ‘wild card’ entry, finishing third in his first WTCC race at Brands Hatch in September 2007.

Colin Turkington commented: “I am feeling very confident ahead of the new season.  Last year was our first in the rear-wheel drive BMW and a new experience for all the team.  This season we have an extremely competitive package and our aim is to beat the manufacturer teams.”

Dick Bennetts, WSR Team Principal, added: “I believe Team RAC will be very strong in this year’s championship.  We have been extremely encouraged by the results of testing so far and we are developing a number of new set ups for the BMW.  Over the next couple of weeks we will continue to work hard to ensure that Team RAC gets off to the best possible start at Brands Hatch on 30th March.”

Caroline Mayers, RAC Marketing Manager, said: "RAC are looking forward to working with and seeing Colin behind the wheel for a third season.  Team RAC had a fantastic year in 2007 and Colin proved himself not only in the BTCC by winning the Independent Drivers Championship but also on a world stage in the WTCC.  We are confident in the team’s ability and are looking forward to another successful season for Team RAC."

To keep up to speed with Team RAC visit teamrac.co.uk