![Ricky Collard, Team Vertu [EXCELR8 Motorsport], Hyundai i30 N Fastback NGTC](https://www.touringcars.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Ricky-Collard.jpeg "Photo: EXCELR8 Motorsport")
Ricky Collard will complete the EXCELR8 Motorsport driver line-up in this year’s British Touring Car Championship, after being announced on the morning of the official season launch at Brands Hatch.
Collard will join defending champion Tom Ingram, Tom Chilton and team newcomer Nicolas Hamilton in the four-strong team for 2026.
The 29-year-old made his BTCC début back in 2018 as an end-of-season replacement driver for his father Rob, who had been injured in a crash at Snetterton that July.
Collard then continued in GT racing in 2019, racing in the Blancpain GT World Challenge Europe, before two quiet years in the COVID-affected 2020 and 2021 seasons.
Returning to the BTCC in 2022, Collard joined Speedworks Motorsport to race a Toyota Corolla and finished the year 16th overall, improving to eighth overall in 2022 when he also claimed a maiden podium at Knockhill.
Collard returned to GT racing in 2023, partnering father Rob on his way to winning the British GT Championship title, and made selected outings in European GT racing in 2025.
For 2026 he returns to the BTCC for his fourth season in touring cars, where he will be seeking a maiden podium result.
The third-generation racer, who finished runner-up to Lando Norris in the 2015 British F4 Championship, will get his first taste of the Hyundai in Wednesday’s pre-season test at the Brands Hatch season launch.
“I’m delighted to be returning to the BTCC this season as it’s a championship where I feel I’ve got unfinished business,” said Collard.
“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, acknowledged the late nature of the deal and welcomed Collard to the team for 2026.
“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,” added Williams.
“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.”