BTCC 2017: The killer combination?

From the myriad of announcements across the close season, it's West Surrey Racing that have grabbed everyone's attention with their 2017 lineup. Andrew Jordan made the switch from Motorbase, while WSR old-timer Rob Collard confirmed his continuation with the team. The biggest announcement however came in the form of Colin Turkington; the return of the golden child.

The last time Turkington set foot in a BMW, he stormed to a dominant championship victory in 2014. Wherever he started, it was almost guaranteed that he would end the race on the podium. That's not to say he didn't perform during his two years with Team BMR. In fact, my standout driver of the 2016 season was Colin Turkington.

But more on that later.

Based on line-ups alone, West Surrey Racing are the team to beat in 2017. Not only do they have one of THE best attacking drivers on the grid in Rob Collard (just think how many times he's stormed from the back to the top end), but two drivers that, between them, share 3 Driver's Titles. After two years of multiple disappointments, it's about time Andrew Jordan had a strong season. With the right car under him, a performance akin to 2013 could easily happen all over again. And Rob Collard has been in the BTCC for over a decade now; considering his raw talent, how has he not managed to win a title yet? Will 2017 be the year?

Despite all of this, it really is hard to ignore the potency and potential of Turkington. He is back where he belongs, back in a BMW. Since his last drive with the team, WSR have developed the 125i M Sport quite considerably. Perhaps I'm tempting fate here, but Colin could well be unstoppable.

It is my belief that Colin Turkington may be the greatest driver in the modern championship. You'll notice my use of the word 'may'. After all, who am I to ignore the Scottish elephant in the room, who goes more commonly by the name of Gordon Shedden.

Let's get statistical for a second.

On paper, there really isn't much to choose between them. Shedden has more titles, wins and fastest laps to his name, where Turkington has started more races and achieved more pole positions. Furthermore, both drivers have a truly astonishing ability to carve through the field from the back. It's a good job these two aren't team mates, they would conquer all before them.

I am well aware there are two notable exceptions (who are statistically just as good if not better) in lifelong rivals Matt Neal and Jason Plato. However, and this may be a controversial point, I believe both Neal and Plato may no longer be at their peak, where both Turkington and Shedden are very much in their prime (of course I am not slating their abilities in any way).

So yes, statistically Shedden and Turkington are on the whole, equal. But there is only so much statistical analysis can really show. It is my belief that of the two, it's Turkington that gets my vote. On balance, Shedden has more often than not, had the luxury of one of the best performing cars on the grid. He's also had to take the title fight down to the wire, often coming from behind (not that anyone is complaining about this).

Turkington on the other hand had a more comfortable ride to his two titles. In 2009, Jason Plato made it has difficult as he could with 3 wins in the final race weekend, but to no avail. And then of course there was 2014 where Turkington and his eBay BMW were seemingly invincible, taking home the drivers, independents and teams titles in one authoritative blow.

Most of all, it was 2016 where I believe Turkington proved himself as the greatest driver in the modern championship. Competing in the Subaru Levorg, Colin started the year at a massive disadvantage, with an under-developed and seemingly under-powered car. Despite this, Turkington qualified 11th for the first round, with the rest of his team no higher than 23rd. As the car improved throughout the year, Turkington started tasting a dominance similar to that of 2014, achieving 5 race wins (the most of any driver in 2016). Going into the final race of the year, Turkington had given himself a mathematical chance at taking the title, eventually ending the season in 4th.

Colin Turkington in his 2016 Subaru Levorg at Brands Hatch

Colin Turkington in his 2016 Subaru Levorg at Brands Hatch

When presented with a disadvantaged car, there are barely a handful of drivers that could have managed the competitiveness like that of Turkington in 2016. It is a mark of a natural talent that most drivers could only dream of possessing.

Looking ahead to 2017, Turkington is back with West Surrey Racing, in a car that is set to be ultra-competitive. It would take extreme bravery to bet against Turkington for the 2017 title. Whether or not he enjoys the same dominance of 2014 is yet to be seen, given the ever-powerful presence of a certain Scottish Honda driver.

A storm is brewing, a titanic battle that may be one of THE defining moments of the British Touring Car Championship. The reigning champion, Gordon Shedden vs Colin Turkington.

Two drivers, one title. Let's do this.

Honestly, I can't wait. Bring on 2017!

All Image Credits: BTCC.net