Collard in surprise WSR switch
Rob Collard has signed for West Surrey Racing, the team that powered Colin Turkington to the championship last season.
Collard raced for WSR in 2005 and 2006, when the team ran MGs. After making just one appearance in 2007, driving a privately run Seat, he moved to Motorbase for 2008. After a year spent getting to grips with the car, Collard gave the team its first win in the second race of the 2009 season. He followed this up with a further win later on in the year, eventually finishing a respectable sixth in the championship.
It appears that Collard’s aspirations to be able to challenge for the title are behind the move. He said, “ This was too good an opportunity to turn down as I could see the WSR BMWs on track last year and at times they were just awesome.
“It was a very difficult decision for me to make a late switch from Motorbase. However, I had to look at what’s best for my career, so to now be driving in a championship-winning team is a real bonus for me.”
The signing of Collard appeared to be to the relief and delight of WSR team principal Dick Bennetts who said, “We’ve been in dialogue with Robert for some time and between us we’ve come up with a package of sponsorship, details of which will be announced shortly.
“It will be great to have Rob back with us in a BMW, as he already has two years’ experience in the (BMW) 320si. We are really looking forward to seeing how he performs with our set-ups on the car.”
WSR now have two drivers signed for next year with Collard joining Andy Neate who was confirmed a couple of weeks ago. It appears that reigning champion Colin Turkington is the intended target to drive the third car.
Photo Credit: TonyLanciaBeta
Thomas Surgay
