Clean bill of health for Rob Collard

Airwaves BMW driver Rob Collard has been released from hospital with a clean bill of health, following his shunt at Snetterton on Sunday. A still sore Collard has however, branded James Nash “inexperienced” for the move, which caused the accident, and says the Chevrolet driver has ended his championship chances.

“If that hadn’t happened I think I would’ve gone on to win the race, or at the very least take a podium place. James Nash is a fast young guy but I think his inexperience showed and he should’ve waited for better opportunity to pass instead of trying to force it. In the end it’s ruined his race and mine, and ended my championship hopes.”

Collard had been leading the day’s third race when he came into contact with Nash exiting the Esses, causing the BMW to spin across the infield and back into the pack, where Stephen Jelley collected it in a large accident.

“I saw Matt (Neal) just miss me but I didn’t even see Stephen coming before he hit me. It was a disappointing way to end the day as the car was outstanding over the first five or six laps in race three and I was building up a comfortable lead.

“Then I saw oil on the track, which I thankfully managed to avoid, and the safety car came out and let the rest of them catch up with me. When the safety car went off I just tried to hold the lead and there was parts of the circuit where James Nash behind me was faster and others where I had the advantage, it was a bit of cat-and-mouse. He actually hit me quite a few times as we went round and I was just defending the racing line when I got fired off.”

The Hampshire driver though is thankful that the damage to himself wasn’t worse, allowing him to enjoy a week long family holiday, before he returns ready for action at Knockhill. Collard also had a message for all those who had attended to him at the circuit and the hospital.

“I would sincerely like to thank the medical team at Snetterton who did a sterling job of looking after me following the incident and also the staff at Norwich and Norfolk hospital who were also first class. When I got out of the car I was a bit sore but the adrenaline was getting me through. It wasn’t until I sat down in the medical centre that it really hit me and the pain was unbelievable. Thankfully I was really well looked after by all the medics and I think they checked absolutely every inch of me to make sure there was no major damage.”

The same can’t be said for Collard’s BMW however, as the Airwaves Team under David Bartrum now have to get the car ready for Knockhill in two weeks time.

“We also have to thank BMW for building a quality car that was solid enough to absorb an impact like that and allow Rob to walk away without serious injury. We’ll assess the damage to the car today and start working towards getting it straightened out for Knockhill. Rob got a second place there last season so we want him back in the car and doing the same there again this year.

“We are all just relieved Rob is ok as he took a really big hit. He’s bruised and battered but thankfully nothing more, and he’s a tough guy so hopefully he’ll be back on form quickly.”