Rob Collard has a simple goal for rounds thirteen and fourteen of the British Touring Car Championship at Snetterton, this Saturday, and that is to leave the Norfolk circuit still heading the Independents Cup category of the competitive series. A superb win in round twelve at Croft, North Yorkshire, a month ago saw Rob take the points table lead, and Snetterton is a circuit he has stood on the podium at before.

Running a privateer Vauxhall Astra and taking on big-budget factory teams, Rob has already shown he has the pace to worry the factory operations, taking fifth overall when the circuit visited Rockingham in June. Much as he enjoys taking on the big-players of the series with his Collard Racing team, Rob is well aware that it the other Independent runners that are his real opposition.

"I like Snetterton - it is a quick and challenging circuit," said Rob, from Everlsy, Hampshire, "and I have been on the podium there the two times I've raced there in the BTCC Production Class. The second race will be in the early evening, and I like racing then - it reminds me of my days on ovals!

"One of the best places on the circuit to overtake is under the bridge at the end of the straight - it is a bit quick there and you can slipstream the other car on the way down. I also like to go past going into the chicane at the end of the lap, if you can pressure someone through Coram corner they sometimes drift wide, you can go down the inside if you have got a good exit, and take them into the chicane.

"I want to leave Snetterton still in the championship lead, and ideally extend my points advantage. The competition will be tight. We have another Astra in the Independents Cup from now on, and most of the other teams have been testing since the last meeting while we haven't, which could give them an advantage.

"My only real problem is trying to shake off this stinking cold I've had for a week! I feel a bit rough, but to be honest there is no way it is going to keep me off the grid on Saturday. We've had a bit of a break from racing, and now I'm keen to get back out there. We had a good speed advantage over the rest at Croft, and even though there will be some serious opposition at Snetterton - I can't wait to take them on."

The race-day format is very different to all the others this weekend, with all the action taking pace on Saturday. It will be a busy day for Rob and the team, with qualifying at 10am, followed by two 25-lap races at 14.55 and 19.35.