Podium finish for Collard

9:07am Monday 1st September 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

HOOK racing driver Rob Collard produced his best finish of the season to claim a second place in the British Touring Car Championship at Knockhill.

In the final race on the Scottish track, the Motorbase Performance driver flew away from the start line in his BMW 320si.

From fourth on the grid, he slotted in behind eventual winner Darren Turner at the first corner.

As the halfway point neared, Collard started to close on the leader, in a Seat, and looked in good shape to pass him.

His chances were dashed, however, when an accident down the field saw championship contender Jason Plato pile into a tyre wall and the race had to be restarted.

Collard was unable to get back on terms, but drove a solid race for second place, which made him the first independent driver home.

With a big smile after the race, Collard said: "I am absolutely delighted with the result. It was great to beat Colin Turkington off the line in a similar BMW."

He added: "The Seat is normally unreliable in the third race, but it was just my luck this time it didn't happen.

"I was just lining up to make a move on Darren (Turner) when the safety car came out, which was just my luck."

The final race performance was the icing on the cake of a great day for Collard after finishing seventh and sixth in the previous two races, which added to his championship points haul.

The first drive was impressive as Collard started in 15th spot after another disappointing qualifying session.

That did not hinder him as he quickly raced into the top 10.