West Surrey Racing have confirmed that both Sam Tordoff and Rob Collard will again compete for the BMW squad in the 2016 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, racing under the Team JCT600 by GardX banner.
The news keeps the experienced Collard at the WSR squad for a seventh consecutive BTCC season, while Leeds racer Tordoff will embark on his second year at the BMW squad in 2016 after switching from Triple Eight the season prior.
Both BMW 125i M-Sport machines will wear a striking new ‘silver bullet’ livery for 2016, Collard and Tordoff joined at WSR by Jack Goff, who recently signed for the team under the IHG Racing title.
Dick Bennetts‘ outfit enjoyed a strong 2015 season with five wins overall, three coming the way of Collard alongside a brace for Tordoff as both finished 10th and sixth respectively in the Drivers’ Championship.
On the news that both will continue to race for WSR, Collard said: “I am delighted to be continuing with Team JCT600 with GardX and extending my long relationship with WSR. I enjoyed a fast but sometimes inconsistent season in 2015, but there’s little doubting that we have the ingredients to fight for championships again this season.
“The whole team works well together and I have a good relationship with Sam, so we’re really looking forward to another successful season in the BTCC.”
Photo: West Surrey Racing
Tordoff added that a title push is the aim for 2016, commenting: “I really enjoyed my first season with Team JCT600 with GardX and I can’t wait to get going in 2016. Everyone at WSR is so friendly, experienced and hugely talented, which is why I know this is the best place for my career.
“It was fantastic to score some wins last year but now we need to do so on a consistent basis in order to challenge for the championship. We’re all focused and driven to achieve our goals so bring it on!”
Bennetts, WSR Team Principal, said: “It is great to have both Sam and Rob continue in the Team JCT600 with GardX WSR BMWs this year. Considering that Sam has only done three years in the BTCC and only one in the RWD BMW, I reckon he’ll really shine this season.
“Rob really lifted his game in 2015, to the point where three-time World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx acknowledged his pace on race day. The guys have been working really hard through the winter to move the 125i M Sports on to a new level, as we all know just how competitive the BTCC is!”
