Monday, October 15 2012

Rob Collard has a genuine chance of taking the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship Independents' title at Brands Hatch this weekend (20/21 October). The eBay Motors driver has enjoyed his strongest season performance since his debut in the top class ten years ago, narrowly missing the overall championship cut by just five points.

"I'm very pleased that we've been consistently strong with quite a few podiums and three wins," Collard confirmed. "The BMW is very strong, I'm looking forward to finishing the season well and I still hold the lap record on the Grand Prix circuit, so I'll be trying to protect that!

"We'll continue our form, we're in a strong position and will push for the Independents' title," he continued. "The team title also is important to us, so we'll push for that as we feel that we're the strongest team. I think we have a chance of winning a race too, maybe not overall in race one but if we play out cards right we can win race three."

Collard knows where best to attack on the circuit - and where the fans should watch. "Paddock Bend - throughout the race, it's good for overtaking, very exciting; if you slipstream down the straight you can come underneath in the braking area, it's a risky strategy but it can work. It makes no difference between the Indy and Grand Prix layouts with regard to the speed you're carrying out of Clearways. Druids will be good too - this is also where most of the overtaking will happen."

Collard will be counting on team mates Nick Foster and Tom Onslow-Cole to help him lift the Independents' trophies. He has worked well with fellow BTCC racewinner Onslow-Cole, notably at Knockhill where he took two of his three victories, and they certainly both agree on how to move forward next year. "I think it's crucial we upgrade to an NGTC car, as we won't be competitive if we don't," he said. "I've no interest in competing unless it's at the front."

He also concurs with Onslow-Cole on the outcome of the overall championship: "Gordon will win the title - I think it will be good for him."

Tickets for the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship on 20/21 October are available from £25, with free entry for children aged 12 and under. For more information call 0843 453 9000 or click here.