Turner joins Seat

Ex-Formula One test driver Darren Turner will join the British Touring Car Championship this year after agreeing a deal with Seat.

The former McLaren man, from Bromley, will join former champions Jason Plato and James Thompson in a three-driver squad.

However the three will not race together at any point, with Turner only getting behind the wheel when World Touring Car commitments prevent Thompson taking the seat for four race weekends.

Turner, 31, moves to Britain’s premier domestic series after a stint in sports cars and he is keen to prove he can earn his keep.

He said: “I’m delighted to have been chosen to race for Seat this year and to help them achieve their BTCC aspirations.

“Jason and James are two of the best drivers in British touring cars and I’m looking forward to working with them and initially learning from them what racing a BTCC car is all about, because it’s certainly a lot different to what I’m used to.

“I’ve got four race weekends to make my name in the BTCC and to repay SEAT for showing faith in me, and that’s what I fully intend to do.”

Plato suffered a disappointing campaign last year after a surprise title challenge in 2004, Seat’s rookie season.

But he believes that will change this season when he expects to give the Spanish manufacturer their first honours in Britain.

“I’m really excited about our chances of success in 2006,” he said. “We have a new car, the stunning-looking Seat Leon, which as we all know was a winner in its third-ever race meeting, and I have new team-mates, both of which are world class.

“The team is hungry and I’m starving. 2006 will be Seat’s year, that’s for sure.”