EBay Motors driver Colin Turkington reckons winning the British Touring Car Championship title for a second time means the world to him – literally.

The Northern Irishman claimed the crown by 45 points ahead of BTCC legend Jason Plato to add a second title to the one he won with Team RAC in 2009.

Turkington returned to domestic action with West Surrey Racing - the team behind his eBay Motors and Team RAC triumphs - in 2013, having had a stab at the World Touring Car circuit in 2010.

And the 32-year-old believes success a second time means more because racing in Britain is as good – if not better – than competing on the world stage.

“The first time is special because it is your goal when you first start racing. You’d give anything to get your name on that trophy,” he said as WSR celebrated at the team’s Richmond-based title sponsor’s HQ in Heron Square last Friday.

“This championship just gets tougher. There were seven champions on the grid this year, so to come out on top was no mean feat.

“There are 31 cars on the grid, split by fractions of a second, so it is very easy to find yourself outside of the top 10.

“You assess your options at the end of every year. I’ve done a bit of World Touring Cars before, but never a whole campaign.

“Right now the British Touring Car Championship is the place to be. Its profile is really strong. The level is no higher in the World Touring Cars and the BTCC is just as hard to win, so it is a great place to be.”

Turkington, who is based in Northern Ireland, quit the BTCC after lifting the championship in 2009, but only has the defence of his crown in his mind this time around.

Particularly, considering he and eBay Motors also have the overall team championship, independent team title and independent drivers crown to retain.

“West Surrey Racing are one of the best teams on the grid and to win all four titles – which I don’t think has been done before – was very special,” he added.

“The Championship will get even tougher next year. The team will not stop working hard to find the performance and to come back stronger next season to defend the title.”