Four-time champion stars during dramatic BTCC qualifying session

Team BMW's Colin Turkington claimed pole position for Round 19 of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at Knockhill, as the four-time champion edged out the impressive Árón Taylor-Smith.

Turkington starred through his three separate sessions – aided by a healthy deployment of hybrid power available having recently dropped to fifth in the overall standings – but the BTCC legend has been in flying form throughout 2024.

It was the third pole position from seven for Turkington this season, pushing him to the summit of the Goodyear Wingfoot standings, and the 30th of his illustrious career.

Having scored his 70th race win at Croft last time out, the race win and pole position milestones are now at a combined 100 for Turkington.

Turkington's title contending rivals suffered during qualifying, but the ferocious pace at the front meant that Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing's Taylor-Smith only missed out on P1 by just 0.035s.

The Vauxhall Astra squad continues its stellar form in 2024 with Taylor-Smith contending for overall honours while also looking to secure the Independents Drivers' title.

It was a double celebration for Team BMW as Adam Morgan secured third, ahead of practice pace-setter Dan Rowbottom in his #32 NAPA Racing UK Ford Focus.

Josh Cook proved his pace and consistency once more with a top five finish, whilst TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK's Andrew Watson did well to round out the 'Quick Six' contenders.

The drama kicked off from the very start with championship leader Tom Ingram failing to make it out of Q1 – with the Team BRISTOL STREET MOTORS car having the minimum hybrid deployment – and the same befell of Ash Sutton (NAPA Racing UK), Dan Cammish (NAPA Racing UK) and Jake Hill in the second segment.

Full report to follow