100 up for Collard at Thruxton

Rounds 4, 5 & 6 of the 2005 British Touring Car Championship at Thruxton
April 30/May 1, 2005

Thruxton race report

Race 1

Weather / Track: Sunny / Dry

Car no. 21 Rob Collard Position: 5th

Starting his 100th BTCC race at the Hampshire circuit from 8th position on the grid, Rob got off to a good start and was 7th exiting the first corner. Going into Goodwood corner, he got up the inside of Smith which gave him the perfect run into the next corner where a spirited passing manoeuvre saw him take 6th position. Although struggling to find a good balance with the added 18kgs of success ballast, Collard eventually finished 5th.

Race 2

Weather / Track: Sunny / Dry

Car no. 21 Rob Collard Position: 11th

Rob's day didn't improve with the second race, due to no fault of his own. Heading into the Complex on the first lap, the Vauxhall of Yvan Muller made heavy contact with the MG ZS. The result was damaged steering and one by one the remainder of the pack shuffled past him. Despite some spirited late race battles, he ultimately had to settle for 11th.

Race 3

Weather / Track: Sunny / Dry

Car no. 21 Rob Collard Position: DNF

WSR's renowned teamwork ensured that Rob's battle scarred ZS was repaired and ready to do battle in the final race of the day. A hard charging first lap saw the Hampshire man improve a mighty five places to 6th. However, the team's hard work was to be wasted as Rob was forced to lift to avoid a spinning Kaye. He valiantly fought his way back to 6th, only to be turned around by Eaves going into the Chicane. Despite getting back on track, the damage sustained from earlier contacts forced a frustrated Collard to retire with 3 laps to run.

Rob Collard said: "After such a strong start to the championship at Donington, this weekend has been a bit disappointing. However, we've learnt some valuable lessons and I'm now looking ahead to Brands Hatch in 5 weeks time".

Dick Bennetts said: "We've certainly had better weekends although Rob equalling his best ever result at Thruxton with 5th in race 1 and fastest Independent lap in race 3 are both positives to take away with us. We'll go back for a debrief at WSR and devise our plan of attack for Brands Hatch; traditionally a circuit that's been kind to WSR".