Ricky Collard will make a return to the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship for the 2026 season after being named as the ultimate member of the Team VERTU line-up.
The 29-year-old joins the EXCELR8-run outfit for what might be his third full-season within the sequence, having beforehand spent two years with Toyota in 2022 and 2023.
Collard will associate defending champion Tom Ingram, Tom Chilton and Nicolas Hamilton within the four-strong Team Vertu line-up, together with his first style of the Hyundai i30 Fastback N he’ll race this 12 months coming throughout the annual season launch at Brands Hatch.
A 3rd technology racer, Collard began his profession in karting earlier than becoming a member of the Formula Ford grid for his first full season of automotive racing in 2014.
The following 12 months, he completed second within the inaugural season of British F4 – overwhelmed solely by reigning Formula 1 champion Lando Norris – earlier than happening to complete second in BRDC British F3, the sequence now often known as GB3.
Switching to sportscars, Collard produced race-winning performances within the likes of the ADAC GT Masters and the Blancpain GT Championship previous to his two-year Toyota stint, and he has since gained the British GT Championship title alongside his father and likewise competed in GT World Challenge Europe.
Now returning to touring automotive competitors with the workforce that gained the Manufacturers’/Constructors’ title final 12 months, Collard heads into 2026 wanting so as to add to the 2 BTCC podium finishes he has to his title so far on the wheel of a automotive that scored 9 wins in Team VERTU palms final season.
Collard’s first style of the Hyundai will happen throughout the season launch occasion at Brands Hatch, with the opening occasion of 2026 coming at Donington Park later within the month.
Ricky Collard mentioned:
“I’m delighted to be returning to the BTCC this season as it’s a championship where I feel I’ve got unfinished business. Back in 2023, I picked up some strong results and showed I have the pace to run towards the front of the field, but I missed out on getting the win that I know I’m capable of.
“Winning the British GT title in what was a particularly competitive season allowed me to learn a huge amount, and I feel that I’m coming back into touring cars as a stronger driver and in better shape than ever.
“The opportunity to join forces with the defending champions is one that I had to take, and although this deal has all come together quite late and I won’t have much track time before round one, I’m feeling confident.
“The Hyundai is clearly a very strong package and with the support of Team VERTU behind me, I’m hoping to hit the ground running when we get to Donington Park.”
Team Owner, Justina Williams said:
“We’ve spoken to a number of drivers over the winter but when the chance arose to bring Ricky into the line-up, it was a deal we were really keen to do.
“He brings a huge amount of experience competing in a wide range of different championships and won the British GT title in impressive fashion a couple of years ago.
“Having shown he has the pace to fight for podium finishes in the past in the BTCC, we are confident he will be a strong addition to our line-up, and I see no reason why he can’t look to be right up there fighting towards the front during the season ahead.”
