FATHER Rob Collard is backing his son Ricky Collard to finish on a high at Brands Hatch in the final event of the British Touring Car Championship and help Team BMW win the Teams’ and Manufacturers’ titles.

BMW’s advantage at the head of the Teams’ Championship is 64 points with 111 available while BMW lead the Manufacturers’ title race by 88, also with 111 available.

Eldest son Ricky comes into the event after a superb last meeting at Silverstone which saw him claim a magnificent front-row start and followed that up with a maiden podium finish in third spot and the Jack Sears Trophy for the event.

Rob Collard said: “I was a very proud dad at Silverstone as Ricky did so well to qualify P2 and then take a podium. It shows he has now made the step up to compete at this level and I really think he can do well at Brands.

Ricky continues to substitute for his father Rob, who has sat out the final four rounds of the season as he recovers from a concussion sustained at Snetterton.

Ricky Collard said: “Since coming into Team BMW, my role has been to learn the car, do whatever I can to support Colin in his quest for the Drivers’ title and score as many points as possible for the Teams’ Championship. Nothing changes at Brands Hatch in that respect, although with the results we achieved at Silverstone, I’m placing far more expectation on myself.

Last weekend, Rob was at Donnington Park watching his youngest son Jordan Collard take the Rookie title in his first year in the Mini Challenge and he also finished second in the overall championships.

All three races at Brands will be shown live on ITV4.