Rob Collard enjoys first PMR run

Rob Collard says he is feeling confident about the 2019 season after sampling his new Power Maxed Racing Vauxhall Astra for the first time.

Collard hit the track at Brands Hatch for his first run in the car he will race this season after agreeing terms of a deal to partner Jason Plato in a new-look PMR line-up – marking the first time in over a decade that he will have raced with front-wheel drive.

Despite changeable weather conditions, Collard completed more than 100 laps of the Brands Hatch Indy circuit and was pleased with the end result.

“Going back to a front-wheel-drive car was always going to be slightly strange, but I’d got the feel of the car after a few laps,” he said. “The team were spot on from the off, and we made changes throughout the day that saw us putting some really strong and consistent times down. Martin and the team have put together a fantastic car, and I’m feeling really good about the coming season.”

Team Manager Martin Broadhurst was equally positive about the first day on track for the former WSR man.

“Working with a driver as experienced as Rob can only benefit us as a team,” he said. “The feedback he has been able to give us on the car after just a few laps has been fantastic, and he used the day to settle into the car and get a feel for it, stating early on that he felt extremely comfortable with it. Coupling this with Rob’s experience, alongside the last two years of data we have, we’re feeling more positive than ever about this year.”

Jason Plato will sample the Astra for the first time next week at Snetterton.