Colin Turkington is relishing the chance the race in the WTCC

Colin Turkington will compete in at least three rounds of this year's World Touring Car Championship.

The 28-year-old current British Touring Car champion will race first at Portimao, Portugal on 4 July.

It is followed by Brands Hatch on 18 July and Brno in the Czech Republic on 1 August although Turkington may also enter further rounds.

"It feels like the right time to move on and test myself on the world stage," said Turkington.

He added: "I'm excited about it - I know I'm going to be up against it but I am going to give it a go."

"We were bitterly disappointed when, due to insufficient sponsorship, we were unable to compete in either the BTCC or WTCC full programmes.

"The opportunity, initially for three rounds, has been made possible through the support of a group of private sponsors."

Turkington will be driving the BMW 320si in which in won the BTCC last year when he joins up again with the West Surrey Racing for the WTCC.

"They are a top team and have been a big part of my success in recent years." he said.

Turkington raced in two WTCC rounds in 2007 and clinched third place at Brands Hatch.

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