Q&A: Rob Collard.

Rob Collard will be out at Brands Hatch this Easter weekend for a second season in the Production Class of the BTCC. Racing his Collard Racing Renault Clio, Rob - a former British and European Hot Rod champion - will be in the thick of the action as the title chasers in that competitive category aim to score points early in the ten-meeting season. Last year the Clio proved rapid but engine problems saw the Hampshire man sidelined in races who was on course to finish strongly in, but this season Collard is confident those problems have been solved...

Rob, you're going to campaign your Renault Clio again this year in the Production Class of the BTCC?

Rob Collard: "Yes, we've decided to race the car again. We've done a lot of development work on the Clio over the winter months, including going to a new engine builder, and they're very confident of giving us reliability and some extra power."

Engines were your big problem last year - if the engine was working right the Clio was very quick.

RC: "The car was very quick, it handles really well. It may be a little bit under-powered when compared to the Peugeots, but the new engine builder is very confident, and if they give us that power and reliability, then that is a winning combination."

You've always been one of the most popular drivers out there and you're driving a distinctively different car to everyone else - what are your goals going to be from this season?

RC: "I need to win a championship, and it's very important for me at this time in my career to get a top-flight championship on my CV.

"I've raced in lots of championships and proved I have been the quickest driver, but not always the one that wins the championship. That's something I have to change this season."

You've done a lot of development work for different companies, and are highly respected for your test driving skills, so what is front-wheel drive Production Class Touring Car like to drive?

RC: "The cars are very easy to drive, but it's when you try to get the last couple of tenths out of a car that a driver who is good at evaluating that car comes into their own.

"You can really push these cars quite hard, and these days I find front-wheel drive is the future. Rear-wheel drive is still very good and will always probably be the quickest, but all the main manufacturers are producing front-wheel drive cars these days - so for a racing driver that's where you have to concentrate."

There are some new teams and new cars out in the Production Class this year - where do you see the main opposition coming from?

RC: "I believe the opposition will come from James Kaye. He's one of the top production drivers. He's got a new car, but he's good enough to make it work.

"The BMW's will be very quick, and the Alfas are going to be right there. We've got half a dozen top drivers and cars who are capable of winning."

So are you already looking forward to starting the season at Brands Hatch?

RC: "I can't wait to get into the car. We've got a lot of unfinished business in this series and a big point to prove."