Colin Turkington says he is keen to make the most of his big chance after earning a drive for Vauxhall in the British Touring Car Championship. Turkington, 23, has driven for MG for three years but makes his debut for his new team at this year's opening round at Donington this weekend.
"Expectations are high. Vauxhall have won for the last four years so it's not going to be an easy job," he said.
"It's a one-year deal but it would be great to stay for as long as I can."
Turkington can now devote his full attention to driving after completing a business studies degree at Stirling University, and his main rival is likely to be team-mate and former champion Yvan Muller.
 |  Championships are usually won at the beginning of the year |
"I don't really know him well," he said.
"I never really talked to him before when I was driving for MG. I'm sure we'll have a good relationship.
"He has been there and done it so it is going to be a very difficult obviously for me but I'm confident I can learn from him."
Another former champion likely to be in the hunt for the crown is Seat's Jason Plato, who is eager to get off to a strong start.
"Championships are usually won at the beginning of the year and we have to come away from Donington with three good points scores," he said.
"If we can have no mechanical dramas, I make no mistakes and we maximise our points-gathering potential, it will stand us in good stead for the rest of the year."
British Touring Car Championship 2005 schedule:
6 April - Donington Park, Leicestershire
1 May - Thruxton, Hampshire
5 June - Brands Hatch, Kent
19 Jun - Oulton Park, Cheshire
17 July - Croft, North Yorkshire
24 July - Mondello Park, Republic of Ireland
7 August - Snetterton, Norfolk
28 August - Knockhill, Fife
18 September - Silverstone, Northamptonshire
2 October - Brands Hatch, Kent
MMIX
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