12/2/2003

Rob Collard will race the ex-Aaron Slight/Barwell Motorsport Vauxhall Astra in the British Touring Car Championship's Independents Cup this year.

Despite the car almost being written off by former world superbike star Slight in crashes with rival competitors in last year's BTCC finale at Donington Park, Collard is confident of putting up a strong showing.

"It's been completely rebuilt and re-jigged by Triple Eight who prepare the factory Vauxhalls," said Collard, who will be entered under the Collard Racing banner.

"The Astra is a proven winner and we're very excited to have the car in the workshop. We can't wait to get out testing. The team are really up for it and I'm sure we have a good chance of winning the Independents title and of getting a few outright podium finishes."

Collard, a former hot rod racer who went on to win the one-make Vauxhall Vectra title, has been a front-runner in the BTCC's Production class in the last two years, driving Renault Clios and Nissan Primeras.

His move to BTC-Touring will be greatly welcomed: reigning champions Vauxhall and rivals Honda have confirmed three cars apiece for James Thompson, Yvan Muller and Paul O' Neill and Alan Morrison, Matt Neal and Tom Chilton respectively. It is understood that Vauxhall could also attempt to add a fourth works car to their line-up.

MG are expected to announce a three-car squad soon for Anthony Reid, Warren Hughes and Colin Turkington, although they are known to be in talks with a potential fourth driver.

Although yet to be officially announced, Proton will also continue with two cars for last year's drivers David Leslie and Phil Bennett.

Meanwhile, Vic Lee Racing and Gary Ayles Motorsport are expected to be Collard's chief rivals in the Independents Cup.

VLR hope to field a trio of Peugeot 307s and are currently in talks with potential drivers - including their Independents title-winner Dan Eaves and Renault Clio Cup star Daniel Buxton - about filling each of their seats.

GA have two Vauxhall Astras. Gareth Howell - who last year partnered Turkington in the now-defunct satellite Team Atomic Kitten MG squad - and Gavin Pyper, a prolific winner for GA in last year's Production class, are both hopeful of securing drives after reportedly setting impressive times in early tests.