Collard taken to hospital after shunt

Airwaves BMW driver Robert Collard has been taken to hospital following a heavy accident in the final of the three BTCC races at Snetterton today. The Hampshire driver was leading the race after a safety car restart, but was on the losing side of a racing incident, involving rookie James Nash.

Nash was moving to capitalise on a slow corner exit by Collard, and as the pair jostled for position, contact was made. This caused Collard to spin off the track. His car spun around and slid back onto the circuit at the Bombhole corner of the Norfolk track, directly into the path of the pack.

Matt Neal moved to avoid the stricken BMW, but Stephen Jelley who was unsighted behind Neal could not avoid Collard.

The collision damaged both cars considerably, but thankfully both drivers were able to get out of their cars without the need for assistance.

However, as he walked away Collard appeared to be holding his ribs and wincing. He later complained of soreness in the area around his ribs and abdomen. Due to this he was taken to the nearby Norwich & Norfolk general district hospital for checks.

Everyone at TouringCarTimes hopes that Rob’s injuries are minimal, and that he makes a fast recovery.