2015 MSA Formula runner up Ricky Collard will move up to the BRDC Formula 4 championship joining his rival MSA Formula team, Carlin.
The move comes as Carlin looks to replace Colton Herta, who was scheduled to start the season having been promoted from the MSA Formula branch of the team.
Ricky, son of Touring car legend Rob Collard, replaces Herta after the American decided to focus on Carlin’s Euroformula campaign. The move came as a way for Herta to maximise his season, as he won’t be old enough to compete in the first BRDC F4 weekend.
Joining Collard will be Indian Ameya Vaidyanathan and the driver who beat him to the 2015 MSA Formula title, Lando Norris. However, with Norris focusing on Formula Renault this season, Collard is likely to be a title favourite.
Collard said: “It’s a pretty surreal situation really. This deal came together pretty quickly, and as a local lad with my local team it all fits together really well. I always dreamt of driving for a team like Carlin when I was younger, so thanks to everyone who helped put this deal together.”
“I think I’ve got the best opportunity I’ve ever had; it’s an important year this year. Finishing second in the MSA Formula was great last year but obviously I want to go that one place further. Fighting with Lando in different cars was great in 2015 and now we will be able to push each other hard in the same car, which will also help the team internally.”
“The BRDC car is great to drive; there’s a lot of instant power and the change of direction is impressive. It’s going to great to drive around UK circuits, and pushing hard at tracks like Oulton Park certainly won’t be for the fainthearted. I’ve really excited and can’t wait to get the season underway.”
Team owner, Trevor Carlin added: “We’re absolutely delighted that Ricky joins our BRDC squad. Ricky was a great competitor in MSA Formula last season and put up a great fight to Lando in the championship battle. We’re very excited that we now have the opportunity to fight for the BRDC title together this season and I’ve no doubt that Ricky will be a great asset to the team.”
Collard himself becomes the fifteenth driver to be announced ahead of the season, starting on March 27 at Snetterton.