BTCC Driver Interviews
Rob Collard
In 2008, Rob Collard is returning to the BTCC and joining Motorbase Performance for the first time. It is a great opportunity and Collard is determined to seize it with both hands and re-establish himself as one of the leading drivers in the BTCC. He talked about his hopes for the coming season.
"I'm delighted that David has picked me to race for his team. The BMW is a great package, and I have to learn rear wheel drive all over again. I've had many years of driving single-seaters and rear wheel drive in the past, but this is now going to be a new challenge. Testing with the Motorbase team has gone very, very well and we've been posting top 10 times. I'm quite happy at the moment.
"Touring Cars is definitely where my heart is. I did three Porsche races last year, which didn't really work out. But then I did one BTCC weekend in a SEAT at the end of last year, which was very good. My team mate Steven Kane is a very strong driver, so I hope we can pull together and get the most from the car and benefit the team.
"The good thing is that the team is very upbeat. It's an up and coming team in the BTCC, and it is well established in Porsche racing. Motorbase has got the ingredients to be a front-running touring car team. The cars are very good and hopefully we can get some good results this season. I'm trying to establish myself with the team and I'd like to be here again in 2009."
Steven Kane
The 2008 BTCC season is an important one for Steven Kane. He's won in F3 and the Porsche Carrera Cup and now he's moving into the BTCC for his second season with Motorbase Performance. On the eve of the opening race weekend of the season, Steven talked about his hopes for the coming year.
"My hope for the season is to win a race. If we can win more races than one, that would be great. But ultimately we have to be realistic and the season is going to be hard. But I think we can progress and I can get better and the team can get better. Motorbase has got a great package with the BMW; it's probably one of the best cars on the grid. The team is growing in stature and it's just getting better and better.
"I think we can get in the top 10 at Brands and then progress into the top six and get onto the podium maybe halfway through the season. And then try and win a couple of races by the end of the year.
"This is a complete change for me. Touring Cars is the top of motor sport in Britain and I've always wanted the opportunity to race them. I've always watched the BTCC since I was a kid. All these people were my heroes from watching the BTCC on the television, people like Tim Harvey. It's great to be here now and getting the chance to prove myself. I really want to make the most of this chance. I do feel I'm quick enough; it's just getting used to the racing.
"David and the guys at Motorbase have worked very hard over the winter and it's the perfect opportunity for me to step up with the team. I know all the guys and we've worked together over the winter to make this happen. I just want to repay the faith that David and the team have shown in me and bring back some result, everyone will be happy."
