It’s a long way from the days of a little black and yellow Renault Clio in the Production class, but in 2006 Rob Collard is set for his best ever shot at the BTCC. The demolition expert will represent one of the best-known names on the grid as he lines up for Team RAC.

Collard’s record as a race-winner and former Independents’ champion was enough to persuade the breakdown specialists that he was the man for them. With Colin Turkington in the second car, it makes for a team that could enjoy much success this season.

At the media launch at Brands Hatch, Collard said: “I feel very honoured to be chosen. It wasn’t just down to who the team wanted, but it was also who RAC wanted. They put their faith in me to represent them and it’s great to have such a big name on the side of the car. The amount of publicity and people taking an interest is awesome.”

“The presentation that the team has done is fantastic. It’s a bit bright, but it’s all very professional…Team RAC is definitely launched!”

For 37 year-old Collard, this will be the first time he has raced in the BTCC with a teammate: “That’s what’s really good about this year”, he said. “Last year, we thought I’d have one, and various names were banded around, but eventually it didn’t come to anything, so I had to do the whole season on my own. But this year I’ve started with a teammate and I’m very pleased it’s Colin. He’s a top driver on and off the track. He’s very, very quick.”

Lacking a teammate did not stop Collard from claiming his first BTCC victory at Knockhill last year, quickly followed by his second in the final race of the season on the Brands Hatch GP circuit.

The opening rounds of 2006 may be taking place on the shorter Indy configuration, but that does nothing to deter Collard: “I’d very much like to start the first race like I finished the last race last season. Obviously a driver’s only as good as his last race and lap record and winning it was awesome. To start 2006 with a win would be an absolute dream come true, but we have to be realistic and just do the best we can on the day.”

Consistency could well be the key for Collard in 2006. Driving the same car as in 2005, albeit with a few modifications, should help in this respect. Indeed, both Collard and his teammate, Colin Turkington, have previous experience of the MG ZS. Lack of funding last year meant that development was restricted, but work has already begun to make the car more competitive ahead of the new season.

After the test session at Brands Hatch, Collard said:"The car went very well. We had a few niggly little problems, nothing major. We got through some good running and tried loads of different setups on the car. Some worked, some didn’t. But generally, it’s been a very promising day."

“We’ve run a new spec engine today, which is definitely an improvement. We haven’t had the maximum out of the car yet. Colin’s been trying new development parts, so he was in and out of the garage a lot. We can go away and study everything and I’m sure we can find another couple of tenths.”

With Team Halfords, VX Racing and SEAT Sport UK all looking strong ahead of the 2006 season, Collard and Team RAC are guaranteed to be in for a tough battle, starting at Brands Hatch on April 8th/9th: “It’s very, very close this year, added Collard. “We just have to make sure we get the most from our package. I think we’ve got a very strong package over the course of the year.”