Colin Turkington says his focus is on defending the HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship Independents' title after qualifying sixth on the grid for Finals Day at Brands Hatch.

The Northern Irishman goes into the final three races of the year locked in battle with Mat Jackson for both the Indy title and third overall in the championship standings and had the edge over his fellow BMW driver in both free practice sessions at the Kent circuit.

However, the roles were reversed in qualifying as Jackson posted the provisional pole time with Turkington down in fifth.

Jackson looked well place to hold onto his position until Turkington's Team RAC team-mate Stephen Jelley jumped to the top of the times and his maiden pole means Jackson starts second with Turkington on row three.

“It was good although we didn't quite have the speed of Mat in the session,” Turkington reflected afterwards. “However, it's great for Stephen to get pole. While he is free to run his own race, it certainly helps me that he is up there and I am confident that we will have good race pace.

“My priority on race day is the Independents title; I really want to retain that this year. That is more important for both myself and the team than finishing third overall, although to do that as well would be a nice bonus.”