WSR FlexiFly recorded the team’s best ever British GT Championship qualifying result as well as a solid points finish as the series moved on to Donington Park last weekend.
Drivers Ernie Graham and Colin Turkington combined to qualify second in GT4 Pro-Am with their BMW M4 GT4 Evo.
The Northern Irish duo then survived an ultra-difficult race that began in wet conditions and gradually dried out, to come home fourth in class.
Continuing the momentum that brought about a podium finish last time out at Snetterton, the 18-time British Touring Car Champions experienced a strong test day on Thursday as both Ernie and Colin set competitive laptimes.
Colin served notice of his intent to fight at the front by setting the second best time in Pre-qualifying, while he and Ernie then set the third-fastest times in their respective sections of Qualifying, which – on combined times – put them second on the grid.
A rainshower shortly before the start of the race made for tricky conditions for starting driver Ernie, but the multiple rally champion showed how his skills in low-grip conditions could be tailored to the racetrack as he settled into a rhythm on wet tyres.
Ernie pitted for slick rubber midway through his planned hour-long stint. Although his laptimes improved instantly, the time lost through the extra stop dropped him a lap behind the class leader.
A pair of time penalties, both for pitstop infringements, ensured that the fightback began by Colin – once the four-time BTCC champion was aboard – was only enough for fourth in class by the finish.
Colin’s pace, however, was extremely encouraging as he caught the GT4 leader and unlapped himself before the finish, setting up an intriguing prospect ahead of the season finale in three weeks’ time.
Ernie Graham: “It’s been a frustrating race day after how well we went in qualifying. We started second in Pro-Am, which we were delighted with, but a curve ball came in the form of a shower of rain just before the start and meant I had to start on wet tyres – and I’d never driven the BMW before on wets! I dropped a few places at the start but got into a rhythm that was the same pace as the cars around me. Then we got done for a few things to do with the pitstops, so the penalties dropped us back. Once I got going I was happy with my pace and Colin’s speed was great – he caught the leader! Let’s push on for Brands Hatch.”
Colin Turkington: “We finished fourth, which is slightly disappointing, given our pace and potential after qualifying. The rain threw a curve ball at us. It’s the first time he’s driven in the wet, so it was tough for him. Then we had two drive-through penalties so I jumped in with maybe an hour to go. The nice thing is that our pace was good and I was right on the tail of the GT4 overall winner at the end and was able to unlap myself. We still learned a lot that we can take into the Brands Hatch finale.”
Carl Mitchell, Sporting and Operations Director: “It’s been a bit of a mixed weekend. For pure performance, it’s been our strongest weekend yet. Colin’s race pace was right up there with the best of them and Ernie looks like a totally different driver compared to the start of the season, all of which helped us score our best qualifying result yet. The race was a bit frustrating with the rain and the penalties, but it’s all part of our learning season. We’re already looking forward to Brands Hatch and to finishing the year on a high.”
