BRANDS Hatch proved a happy hunting ground for north Hampshire drivers Rob Collard, Nick Foster and Ricky Collard.

Teenager Ricky made an excellent debut in the Formula Ford Championship at the Kent circuit.

The Falcon Motorsport driver stepped onto the podium in only his second race as he bagged a third place overall.

This followed on from a fourth place in his first outing earlier on Saturday and in both races he won the scholarship class.

The 17-year-old from Hook was well placed for another podium finish in his last race, but he collided with Max Marshall as the tried to overtake his fellow racer.

Despite this the teenager finished the weekend leading the scholarship.

Collard said: “It was a great first race and if this continues it is going to be a magical season. I got a good old Collard start like my dad has been telling me to do.”

Proud father Rob Collard said: “Ricky made a great debut and it looks very promising for the rest of the season.”

Collard Snr followed on the success of his son with a great start to the British Touring Car Championship with three top 10 finishes last Sunday.

In the last race the Hook racer was in pole position thanks to the reverse grid and led for the first seven laps, before he was overtaken by teammate Colin Turkington.

Looking back at his weekend Collard said: “It was a solid start to the season and it was great to be back in the mix.

“I got a fantastic start in race two, but then got hit by Matt Neal which damaged the car which did not help me.” Collard’s e-bay Motors teammate Nick Foster also had an excellent weekend as he chalked up a fifth place in race two.

He could well have done better in his final outing as he was third when forced to take a drive through penalty for being in front of his box at the start.

The Odiham driver said: “It was a shame the way the weekend ended and I put it down to inexperience as I thought the marshal was standing by the line, but was not.

“The car felt good and I was really comfortable driving it.”

All three drivers be looking for more success when in the next meeting of their championships which, takes place at Donington Park over the Easter weekend.