Collard still in hunt for works drive - 12/2/04

2003 BTCC Independents Cup Champion Rob Collard is still hoping to secure a works drive in the 2004 BTCC. Speaking to BTCCPages.com, Collard said: “I’m still in discussions regarding a works drive for this year. Obviously that is my aim, but we will have to see how things unfold.”

With Vauxhall, Seat and Proton having confirmed their line-ups, any deal for Collard would be likely to involve either Honda or MG, although the Hampshire-based driver was unable to confirm this.

Following the news of a £75,000 prizefund for Independents Cup entered drivers this year, Collard has not ruled out racing under the Collard Racing banner once more: “The cash prizefund for the Independents category is a very positive move, and it does make that option very attractive. Combined with the Dunlop tyre fund, there is the real chance to win something back.

“The format for this year is fantastic. I think with three races at each meeting, and the reverse grids thrown in as well, there is the real chance we may see an Independent driver win a race this year.

“I’m in a frustrating position at the moment because I was hoping to have landed a works deal by now, but it is always difficult at this time of year. I think the championship as a whole is looking very strong for 2004, especially with the added incentives for the Independents. If I can’t sort out a works deal, I will probably give the green light to running as an Independent again.”

Collard’s activities may extend beyond the BTCC itself to one of the support races: “I may run a car in the Porsche Carrera Cup as well, but that depends to a certain extent what else I end up doing. For example, if I’m in a works car in the BTCC then it makes very little sense for me to be running a single entry in the Carrera Cup. On the other hand, if we run as independents under the Collard Racing banner in the BTCC, running the Porsche as well could be good.”

At present, the 2004 BTCC is likely to see independently entered Astra Coupés, Civic Type-Rs, and even the possibility of an MG. Earlier this week, Tocatour.com also reported plans from stalwart Nissan team RJN Motorsport to enter an ETCC-spec new style Nissan Primera in the series, dependent on securing a sufficient budget.