BMW made British Touring Car Championship history on Sunday 24 October by winning an unprecedented sixth consecutive Manufacturers’ title on a thrilling day of racing that ended the 2021 season. This huge achievement meant that BMW became the first manufacturer in the series’ 63-year history to win six in a row.
The landmark achievement surpasses the previous record set in 2005, which was equalled by BMW last year, and adds to the status of the BMW 3 Series as touring car racing’s most iconic model.
Richard Price, Aftersales Director, BMW UK, said: “Achieving this feat for six years in a row is testament to the capability of the 330i M Sport as well as WSR’s passion, dedication, and persistence.”
It came on a day when Colin Turkington secured the runner-up spot in the series, ensuring that he has finished either first or second in the BTCC Drivers’ points every season since joining the rechristened Team BMW in 2017.
BMW’s Manufacturers’ Championship successes have come with two different racing models; each designed, built and run by 15-time BTCC title winners West Surrey Racing (WSR). The 2016, ’17 and ’18 crowns were won with the BMW 125i M Sport while the BMW 330i M Sport has had a 100 per cent success record since winning on its debut BTCC weekend in 2019.
Dick Bennetts, Team BMW Team Principal, said: “You can only build a first-class touring car if you have a first-class production model to base it on and the BMW 3 Series, with its excellent chassis and engine is the perfect place to start.”
Through 2021, BMW were the top-scoring Manufacturer in 16 of the 30 races and, after taking the series lead at Snetterton in April (Round 2), never lost the lead position.
Team BMW led more laps (179) than any other team across the year, with all three drivers contributing to this number and Turkington’s 107 in front being the highest amount achieved by anyone.
Turkington secured the Goodyear Wingfoot Award at Brands Hatch for ending the year as the series’ best qualifier for a second year running while he, Oliphant and Jelley combined for a total of five wins, 14 podium finishes, two pole positions and four fastest laps.
