BMW UK has belatedly confirmed that Turkington and Adam Morgan will proceed alongside the Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport entry of Jake Hill within the WSR steady of 330e M Sport equipment, and has unveiled the livery of its automobiles.
The BMWs suffered final season with an absence of straight-line pace when working within the pack, main consideration over the winter to be targeted underneath the bonnet in addition to different upgrades.
“We’ve obtained a brand new BMW engine – the latest-model BMW street automotive engine,” WSR boss Dick Bennetts instructed Autosport of the brand new powerplant, which options enhancements in sustainability and effectivity.
“On the bodywork we’ve completed a facelift to the newest mannequin of BMW, we’ve completed chassis work, growth dampers – lots’s gone on underneath the pores and skin of the automotive.”
Bennetts defined that the brand new motor is “an evolution” of the present B48 powerplant utilized in current seasons.
Whereas the previous items had been equipped from Austria, the newest have arrived from BMW’s Hams Corridor plant in Warwickshire, and the staff’s long-time engine-preparation wizards from Neil Brown Engineering “began work in September” on growing them.
The brand new engine was shaken down in two automobiles on the MIRA proving floor final week, earlier than WSR begins testing with all 4 of its automobiles at Snetterton on Wednesday this week.
“All the pieces seems actually optimistic,” Turkington instructed Autosport. “Having the brand new engine underneath the bonnet might be what excites me probably the most.
Colin Turkington, Staff BMW BMW 330e M Sport
Picture by: JEP / Motorsport Images
“Reflecting on final yr, it’s in all probability the place we lacked probably the most with our general efficiency on the straights.
“In the meanwhile it’s nonetheless an unknown amount. With the hassle over the winter we really feel we’ve taken a step and we’ve nudged the bundle forwards, however that can all be relative to the steps the others have taken.”
Turkington, together with Ash Sutton, is focusing on a record-breaking fifth BTCC title in 2024.
“I’m undoubtedly assured that we’ll be within the combine,” mentioned the 42-year-old Northern Irishman.
“From the place I perceive the automotive to be, I feel we must be up there, whereas up to now two or three seasons I feel we’ve been clinging on a bit and we’ve had the third quickest automotive.
“I really feel in a greater place to problem, particularly with the modifications within the hybrid [regulations] – there’ll be a variety of various factors at play.”
Morgan, a winner of 11 BTCC races who joined WSR final yr when the household Ciceley Motorsport staff pulled out of the collection, mentioned: “In 2023 we scored a podium at our first weekend collectively however now the goal must be getting that first win with WSR and ensuring we’re within the hunt for victories and podiums at each occasion.
“If we do this then we’ll be in for an excellent season, and Colin and I’ll have a robust shot at profitable the Groups’ Championship for Staff BMW.”
Adam Morgan, Staff BMW BMW 330e M Sport
Picture by: JEP / Motorsport Images
WSR has not but crammed the ultimate seat occupied beforehand by Carrera Cup GB-bound Stephen Jelley.
Hypothesis has linked extremely rated however perennially underfinanced ex-Staff Arduous Cupra racer Bobby Thompson to the drive, and Bennetts admitted that “he’s undoubtedly on the checklist”.
The Kiwi described the berth as “a piece in progress”.
“We now have mentioned working two half-seasons [with one driver in for the first five rounds, another for the final five],” he added.
“It’s not ultimate, but when that’s what we’ve got to do then we’ll should do it. There’s an excellent automotive sitting there for somebody.”