From Autosport · Marcus Simmons · · 1m
Collard Returns for BTCC Finale
Ricky Collard returns to BTCC after reprieve for Brands Hatch finale.
In brief
Ricky Collard returns to BTCC after reprieve for Brands Hatch finale. Ricky Collard will compete in the British Touring Car Championship's final race at Brands Hatch after Excelr8 extended his 2026 deal from five to eight rounds. Originally reported by Autosport.
Collard gets BTCC reprieve
Ricky Collard will return to the British Touring Car Championship for Brands Hatch finale after Excelr8 extended his 2026 deal from five to eight rounds.
Kawashima's Silverstone race
Japanese racer Osamu Kawashima ran far adrift at Silverstone, leading to concerns he would be out of his depth at Brands Hatch GP.
Excelr8's decision
Excelr8 stated Kawashima would benefit from additional track time away from race weekend pressures to fully realise his potential.
“While tests prior to Silverstone were successful in demonstrating the necessary performance, it was evident following the race meeting at Silverstone that Kawashima would benefit from additional time in the car to fully realise his potential.”
Collard's Silverstone impact
Collard's absence dropped him from fourth to tenth in the BTCC championship after Silverstone.
Collard's 2027 plans
Collard aims to make a return to the BTCC seat for 2027 after this season's finale.
“Seven podiums has been a fantastic return and the only thing missing to complete the set is to make it onto the top step. If we could do that, it would be an amazing way to end the year, not least as I am working with the team to try and make a return to the seat possible for 2027.”
The takeaway
Ricky Collard will compete in the British Touring Car Championship's final race at Brands Hatch after Excelr8 extended his 2026 deal from five to eight rounds.
