Ricky Collard will continue to race for Team VERTU for the next three British Touring Car Championship rounds, extending his stay to cover the Knockhill, Donington Park and Croft events.
Collard joined the team for the start of the 2026 season, marking his return to the BTCC after two seasons away racing GT machinery.
The 30-year-old has impressed in the first half of the season, notching up five podium finishes to sit fifth overall in the drivers’ standings and the second-best of the Hyundai quartet behind team-mate Tom Ingram.
Collard’s deal originally only covered the first five events, but he will now complete a further three before his seat is expected to be given to another driver for the final two events.
“It’s no secret that when the opportunity came along to join Team VERTU on the eve of the season launch, we didn’t have the budget for the full campaign and could only commit to the first five events,” said Collard, who is still chasing his maiden BTCC win.
“Despite the fact that it’s been a few years since I was in a front-wheel drive touring car, and given how competitive the BTCC is, the first half of the year has been fantastic for me.
“I’ve gelled with the team and the car, and to be fifth in the standings with five podium finishes to my name has exceeded my expectations.
“The success we’ve enjoyed so far made me more determined than ever to extend my time with the team, and I’m delighted to confirm that I’m going to be in the seat for the next three meetings.
“Knockhill, Donington Park GP and Croft are circuits where I’ve had good results in the past and I’m going back to them with a stronger package than ever before, which leaves me confident of fighting for more silverware and hopefully pushing for that first BTCC win.
“This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my partners, and a huge thank you to them – and the team – for ensuring we can continue to be on the grid.”
Justina Williams, Team VERTU Team Owner, is pleased to have a driver of Collard’s calibre continuing to race for them in the BTCC.
“We were always confident that Ricky could deliver strong results on track, and he has proven to be a fantastic addition to the team over the first half of the season,” added Williams.
“To be able to extend his deal to cover the next three rounds is fantastic as we look to strengthen our championship challenge over the remainder of the season, and we are looking forward to working with Ricky to deliver more strong results on track.”