Ricky Collard: “Hopefully we can return next year”

Ricky Collard says hopes to return to the British Touring Car Championship grid next year after competing in what looks to have been his final event of the season at Croft this past weekend.

The EXCELR8 driver signed off his time in the UK’s premier motorsport series by surging to a third-place finish in race two on the soft tyre at the North Yorkshire venue.

Collard has made no secret of the fact that he would likely not complete the season. He secured his place on the grid with the Hyundai squad shortly before the campaign began, although his initial deal only ran until Oulton Park.

Gaining additional backing over the summer break for Thruxton, Donington Park and Croft, it now appears that the 30-year-old will now miss the final two events of the year at Silverstone and Brands Hatch.

With seven podiums to his name this term, Collard currently sits fourth overall in the Drivers’ Championship.

“I have mixed emotions because of the way the weekend ended, as it’s so frustrating to have someone take you out at turn one when you know there is the possibility of a strong result,” said Collard.

“It’s a shame because in race two, the car felt electric and to score another podium and set the fastest lap was great.

“Credit to the team because they have given me a great car this season and I’ve had loads of fun and made some great memories.

“Considering we had no testing before the season and I’ve been pretty much going in blind to every weekend, we’ve picked up seven podiums, and I’ve scored more points than ever before.

“Hopefully we can return next year to see what we can do in a full campaign.”