Although the Portadown ace produced a determined display, his rear-wheel drive car struggled in the conditions.

As a result, Turkington could only clock up a highest placing of ninth over the latest meeting in the British Touring Car Championship.

He managed to complete qualifying in third spot and now sits 10th overall following rounds seven, eight and nine of the programme.

Turkington picked up a penalty in the first race and dropped from third to 20th as a result.

A spirited performance helped him home in ninth, with the bonus of three points towards his overall tally.

A switch on lap three of the next race to wet tyres cost Turkington some time and problems continued when the weather improved, leaving him 13th over the line.

Turkington opted for wet tyres in the final race and he pushed up the field to sit seventh on the third lap.

However, another change in the weather placed Turkington on the backfoot and 12th at the close of business.

“It was a difficult day for Team RAC,” said Turkington. “I qualified very well but didn't start race one as well as I would have liked.

“The weather conditions made it extremely difficult and I am bitterly disappointed as Donington is one of my favourite circuits.

“I'm confident that I can improve at the next meeting."