No.8 Rob Collard – No.18 Nick Foster
BMW 320si
S2000 chassis and engine
Amid evolution and revolution up and down the pitlane West Surrey Racing remain staunchly behind the BMW 3-series that have carried the team since 2007.
The squad are under no illusion that the car is most competitive package on the grid and seem steeled for a season of fighting for the minor points and taking advantage of the reverse grid race three and taking advantage when others have problems.
The BMW began to slip from the front of the field last year, though Collard and the Airwaves drivers dragged the car there on occasions – something that speaks well of the as drivers.
2011 is another big step for the grid in all directions, while the BMW remains in the same place. This could put the team at an advantage – the car and set-up is a known fact – and a disadvantage – dropping power to the turbocharged cars.
The environment is perhaps not conducive to giving a good BTCC season to ex-British GT driver Nick Foster, the team's new recruit jumping in at the deep end just as the team has the potential to get cramps.
Rob Collard On……The BMW package
“It's not as competitive as it has been in previous seasons but the BMW's still a very competitive car and I'm very pleased to be driving it. We are a little bit disadvantaged on engines, not having a turbo, but the car makes up for it other areas so it's going to be very close.”
Nick Foster On…..His aims for the year
“For me, if I can get a top-15 I'll be happy, if I can get a top ten in some of the races I'll be elated. My goal is to try and get into that level. We've got a tough, tough challenge because some of the cars are a bit quicker than we are and some of the other makes are very strong so it's going to be tough on us but I'll see how we get on.”
Verdict: Early points while turbos bed in, struggles later.
