[BTCC] BTCC 2018 Rumours & Silly Season

[Steel Wheels]

Originally Posted by BobJones

Bizarre.

We nearly had a former Aussie V8 driver in the BTCC fairly recently,but he signed to stay as an enduro driver in V8’s, which caused calendar clashes. He was however a former International single seater driver so more well known in the UK.

[touringlegend]

I’m not fully aware of the setup of the V8s but from what I see of them I’m guessing most of the V8 teams are fully funded and drivers can earn a wage.. whereas BTCC we know is quite different. In my eyes it’d be really strange for a driver to go V8 to BTCC.

Someone can I’m sure fill me in who knows what the low down is.

[pimmy]

Rullo's a pay driver and a season of BTCC would cost a fair bit less than a season of Supercars.

[ExplodeTheApex]

Originally Posted by Steel Wheels

We nearly had a former Aussie V8 driver in the BTCC fairly recently,but he signed to stay as an enduro driver in V8’s, which caused calendar clashes. He was however a former International single seater driver so more well known in the UK.

Was that for 2015 and WSR? I seem to remember something along those lines being mentioned then, would be interested to know who!

[Steel Wheels]

Originally Posted by ExplodeTheApex

Was that for 2015 and WSR? I seem to remember something along those lines being mentioned then, would be interested to know who!

Yep, it was a certain Frenchman who had done a full season in V8’s after once being teammates with a certain British F1 Champion in GP2. One Alexandra Premat. His decision to stay enduro racing saved Rob Collard from ‘moving’ teams 😉

[ExplodeTheApex]

Originally Posted by Steel Wheels

Yep, it was a certain Frenchman who had done a full season in V8’s after once being teammates with a certain British F1 Champion in GP2. One Alexandra Premat. His decision to stay enduro racing saved Rob Collard from ‘moving’ teams 😉

Ah yes, thank you, that does ring a bell now! Obviously would loved to see him in a competitive car in the BTCC although I'm sure he doesn't regret his decision 3 years on.

[touring fan01]

Originally Posted by touringlegend

I’m not fully aware of the setup of the V8s but from what I see of them I’m guessing most of the V8 teams are fully funded and drivers can earn a wage.. whereas BTCC we know is quite different. In my eyes it’d be really strange for a driver to go V8 to BTCC.

Someone can I’m sure fill me in who knows what the low down is.

about half the teams are fully funded and the rest have drivers bringing some sponsors and budgets etc.

[Matt K]

https://www.touringcartimes.com/2017...but-team-hard/

First Team HARD driver for 2018 confirmed, it's Bobby Thompson.

So now it is like that:

WSR/BMW
Jordan

HMS Racing
Austin

Team HARD
Thompson

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by Matt K

https://www.touringcartimes.com/2017...but-team-hard/

First Team HARD driver for 2018 confirmed, it's Bobby Thompson.

So now it is like that:

WSR/BMW
Jordan

HMS Racing
Austin

Team HARD
Thompson

Also on the list

Team Dynamics / Honda
Neal
Shedden

[Matt K]

Probably so. I think, however, that time has come for Neal to retire

[S griffin]

Good to see Thompson making the step up. Best of luck to him. Gilham's always good at signing young talent

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by luckn002

Andrew Jordan confirms via twitter that he is staying at WSR

It is probably nothing - but in the post Jordan's car still carries his name/number in the window. Next to his car, Collard's has had the name and number removed.

An indication that Collard does not have a contract for next season - or just standard removal in the WSR workshop?

[Moneyseeker]

Originally Posted by crmalcolm

It is probably nothing - but in the post Jordan's car still carries his name/number in the window. Next to his car, Collard's has had the name and number removed.

An indication that Collard does not have a contract for next season - or just standard removal in the WSR workshop?

Wasn't Collards 'car' for the finale at BH (that he didn't race) WSR's old spare car as Rob's cars was not repaired from Silverstone, so presumably they will be building up Rob a new shelled car over the winter, if he comes back of course. Might be a sign, but might not!

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by Moneyseeker

Wasn't Collards 'car' for the finale at BH (that he didn't race) WSR's old spare car as Rob's cars was not repaired from Silverstone, so presumably they will be building up Rob a new shelled car over the winter, if he comes back of course. Might be a sign, but might not!

So, in true rumours and silly season styles, we have either:

A. Collard will not be at WSR in 2018, so his name/number have been removed
B. Collard is at WSR in 2018, and his car is being rebuilt

[thlbtcc]

Interesting wording here.

https://twitter.com/StephenJelley/st...58354507468800

"The last hurrah!! At the opening of Europe’s newest Ford dealership! @Sandicliffe notts"

[Matt K]

Rob Collard has been quite impressive recently but for me WSR should search for some fresh blood to give them a chance. The same Team Dynamics should consider as BTCC will not forever be based on Plato/Neal/Collard and so on. They are in their 50s. I would love to see somebody else in Dynamics Honda and in WSR BMW. Like Jake Hill for example.

[Londoner]

Originally Posted by Matt K

Rob Collard has been quite impressive recently but for me WSR should search for some fresh blood to give them a chance. The same Team Dynamics should consider as BTCC will not forever be based on Plato/Neal/Collard and so on. They are in their 50s. I would love to see somebody else in Dynamics Honda and in WSR BMW. Like Jake Hill for example.

Well, Collard has only just turned 49, so that's not entirely true. Agree with you otherwise, I was hoping Jake Hill would be driving for Motorbase this season.

[S griffin]

I think Collard will go on for another couple of seasons, then he might step down from driving and do something else

[Matt K]

Oops I thought he's older anyway, it is a good age for ending career and making a place for youngsters. Jake Hill would be a great addition to either WSR or Team Dynamics.

[Racing Harz]

Rob should retire and put his son in the car.

[luckn002]

I would love to see Rob keep going for a few more years - he gets better and better each season and I think he would have a good shot at the title if his qualifying performances were better. I can't see a change at WSR for next season.

[Matt K]

We can say some ifs and buts but this guy is almost 50 and it's not time for getting better and better and personally I'd rather see younger drivers in BTCC.

Ricky Collard instead of Rob would be cool. Ricky was quite impressive in a few ADAC GT races but he didn't finish the season and I don't know why honestly.

[peebee2]

You would think his son is the only driver he might transfer his mega-budget to

[Racing Harz]

Originally Posted by Matt K

Ricky Collard instead of Rob would be cool. Ricky was quite impressive in a few ADAC GT races but he didn't finish the season and I don't know why honestly.

BMW was not sure, that they will win the title with Ricky in the car. The hole Paddock from the GT Masters didn´t unterstand that decission.

[Alfisti]

Rob Collard looks in far better form than JP and Matt of late. Rob is IMO a much better driver now than he has been at any point in his career. Fingers crossed he will be back showing the young 'uns how to do it...