Ricky Collard back on BTCC grid for Brands Hatch finale

Ricky Collard will make a surprise return to the British Touring Car Championship with EXCELR8 Motorsport for this weekend’s season finale at Brands Hatch.

The 30-year-old will be back behind the wheel of the Hyundai i30 N Fastback that he had driven up until Silverstone, where Japanese driver Osamu Kawashima then took on driving duties as he made his debut in the series.

Kawashima had originally agreed a two-event deal with the team back in June, when Collard himself was only confirmed to compete up until the mid-point of the season.

At Silverstone, Kawashima contested two of the three races however in-line with his performance and taking into consideration the demands of the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit, EXCELR8 has decided to allow the 57-year-old to gain more track experience away from the pressures of a race weekend.

As a result, Collard will step up from his role as Reserve Driver and look to close out a campaign that has seen him stand on the podium seven times already.

“Silverstone was a situation where emotions were running high and things were said in the heat of the moment, but the focus now is on looking ahead to the finale and ending the season on a high,” said Collard.

“I’m grateful to have the chance to get back behind the wheel of the Hyundai this weekend, especially around such an iconic circuit as Brands Hatch GP, and hopefully we can have another strong weekend and build on the results we have gained already this season.

“Seven podiums has been a fantastic return and the only thing missing to complete the set is to make it onto the top step.

“If we could do that, it would be an amazing way to end the year, not least as I am working with the team to try and make a return to the seat possible for 2027.”