Testing Ahead of the Britcar Season with Colin Turkington

Preparation for the upcoming Britcar Endurance Championship season continued with a recent testing session at Donington Park, where Julian McBride returned to the cockpit for the first time in four months.

The day marked Julian’s only opportunity to gain track time ahead of the start of the 2026 season, making the session particularly important as he prepares for the opening round of the championship.

Running on Donington Park’s full Grand Prix circuit, the 2.49-mile layout features 12 corners made up of five left-handers and seven right-handers, providing a demanding mix of high-speed sections and technical braking zones.

The test took place during a private trackday organised by RMA Trackdays, offering valuable track time in a controlled environment ahead of the season opener.

Joining Julian for the day was four-time British Touring Car Champion Colin Turkington, whose experience at the highest level of British touring car racing provided valuable insight throughout the session.

Working alongside Turkington, the focus of the day was on refining braking technique, improving corner approach and continuing to build consistency across longer runs, which are all critical elements in endurance racing.

“Testing days like this are incredibly valuable,” said Julian. “When you have the opportunity to work with someone like Colin, you listen carefully. His experience at the very top level of British motorsport means the feedback is incredibly precise.”

Conditions throughout the day were dry but far from straightforward. Temperatures remained cold and strong winds developed during the afternoon, particularly affecting some of Donington’s faster sections.

Track time was also interrupted at several points by red flags, including a lengthy stoppage after oil was dropped at multiple points around the circuit.

Despite the disruptions, the session provided important preparation ahead of the new season.

“Endurance racing is all about preparation and consistency,” Julian added. “Even after time away from the car there is always a process of getting back into rhythm. Testing allows you to analyse what the car is doing and focus on refining the details.”

The test forms part of Julian’s preparations for the 2026 Britcar Endurance Championship, where he will compete with Geoff Steel Racing.

The championship season begins at the same venue, with a 90-minute race on Donington Park’s GP circuit on Saturday 21 March 2026.