ROB Collard hopes of a dream debut for the Power Maxed Racing team turned into a nightmare as failed to finish in the top 20 of any of the three races in the opening meeting at Brand's Hatch last weekend,

The experience driver had switched from the rear wheel drive BMW to the front wheel drive Astra and qualified 16th for Sunday's opening race.

With overnight fog reluctant to lift the first support race was postponed and with drizzle coming down, most drivers on the grid opted to go with a wet weather set-up including Collard and team mate Jason Plato, who was second on the grid.

It soon became clear that slicks was the way to go as drivers from the back of the grid went onto take the top placings and Collard had to be contend with 21st.

In race two, Collard was on the soft tyres, which did not work in the cold at the Kent circuit and having been pushed down to 24th, he fought his way back to cross the line 22nd.

The final outing of the day saw Collard determined to get into the top 20, but his hopes were soon dashed as on lap three he was side swiped by an out of control Carl Broadley mid-way through Paddock Hill bend.

Damage to the right-rear necessitated a pit stop for repairs and the Hampshire driver re-joined for a test session and showed good pace for a few laps before calling it a day on lap 19.

Collard said: "It was a really frustrating weekend on our debut. We were hoping for a lot more, but the cars have shown really good pace throughout the weekend, so we have to take the positives from that."

The next round are at Donington Park on the last weekend of April.