Ricky Collard has been announced as the replacement for his father Rob Collard at the next two Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship rounds for Team BMW.
The twenty-two year old replaces his father at Rockingham and Knockhill in the West Surrey Racing squad as Rob recovers from a concussion sustained last time out at Snetterton which forced him to miss the final race of the day.
The BMW Motorsport junior driver has tested the BMW 125i M Sport before when he took the wheel at Silverstone last year and he also tested ahead of the 2018 season at Brands Hatch.
Talking to btcc.net, Ricky spoke of his delight.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for me. I’ve been around the BTCC paddock throughout my childhood and teenage years watching Dad race – mostly with WSR – and I’ve been desperate to compete in the series for a long time, especially for a team with their record of success.
“While I never wanted my debut to be under circumstances like this, Team BMW are one of the best in the BTCC, have won the championship for the past two seasons and are right in the thick of the title battle again.
“My target is to do the best job I can and help score as many points as possible for the Teams’ and Manufacturers’ championships.”
Meanwhile Team Principal Dick Bennetts also told btcc.net,
“While we’re extremely sorry for Rob and wish him a speedy return, we’re pleased to be able to give Ricky Collard, a young driver with a huge amount of talent, an opportunity to drive the Team BMW 125i M Sport at Rockingham and Knockhill.
“Ricky tested the BMW with us last November and was extremely impressive. For a young driver who had never been behind the wheel of a touring car before, his pace and – in particular – his technical feedback, were very strong.
“It will be very important to use the free practice sessions wisely as we try to get him up to speed as quickly as possible. I’m sure he’ll do a good job.”
