Ricky Collard Joins EXCELR8 for BTCC Comeback

Mo. Basuony

Published: April 8, 2026 7:10 AM ET

Ricky Collard will return to the BTCC grid for the 2026 season. He joins the EXCELR8-run Team VERTU line-up for what the team calls a four-car entry.

Team line-up and car

Collard will share the garage with defending champion Tom Ingram. His other teammates are Tom Chilton and Nicolas Hamilton.

He will drive the Hyundai i30 Fastback N. Collard will sample the car for the first time today during the season launch at Brands Hatch.

This will be Collard’s third full BTCC season. He previously contested two campaigns with Speedworks.

His best championship result to date is eighth overall in 2023. He has achieved two podium finishes in the series.

Collard crossed the line first at Brands Hatch in a past season. A track limits penalty cost him what would have been his maiden BTCC victory.

Collard won the British GT title in a highly competitive season. He says that experience improved his racecraft and physical readiness.

He described the chance to join the reigning champions as one he could not refuse. The deal came late, so pre-season running will be limited.

Collard expressed confidence in the Hyundai package and Team VERTU’s support. He hopes to be competitive straight away at Donington Park.

Filmogaz.com will follow the team’s progress through pre-season testing and the opening rounds of the 2026 BTCC season.