Photo: BTCC

West Surrey Racing retain Sam Tordoff and Rob Collard for 2016

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West Surrey Racing have confirmed Sam Tordoff and Rob Collard will return to the team for the 2016 BTCC season.

The pair took five wins between them in 2015, two for Tordoff en route to sixth in the Drivers’ Championship, while Rob Collard took three wins on his way to tenth overall.

The announcement signifies an unchanged lineup for the Team JCT600 by GardX banner, while they will be joined in the garage by Jack Goff, who recently signed for the team under the IHG Racing name. While the driver lineup for the team will be unchanged, West Surrey Racing have unveiled the new “silver bullet” livery for the BMW 1-series.

Following his sixth placed finish in 2015, the highest of any BMW driver, Tordoff now has his sights set firmly on scoring wins on a more consistent basis and staking his claim for the top spot.

“I really enjoyed my first season with Team JCT600 with GardX and I can’t wait to get going in 2016,” said Tordoff, who has also been appointed a BMW brand ambassador. “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 focussed and driven to achieve our goals so bring it on!”

Meanwhile Collard has admitted that last season’s performance, while often quick, were also inconsistent and knows that consistency will be the key to going one step further in 2016.

“I am delighted to be extending my long relationship with WSR,” added Collard, who will embark on his seventh consecutive season 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.”

“It is great to have both Sam and Rob continue in the Team JCT600 with GardX WSR BMWs this year,” offered WSR Team Principal, Dick Bennetts. “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!”