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Hook driver Rob Collard

HOOK British Touring Car driver Rob Collard predicted his Motorbase Performance team would be gunning for the podium in the second half of the season - and that proved to be the case at Snetterton.

Collard just missed out on a top-three finish himself, when he finished fourth in his BMW 320si, in the second of the three races. In the final race of the afternoon, his team-mate Steven Kane piloted his car to second spot.

That was the team's first-ever podium finish in the Touring Car Championship and the delight in the team was clear to see.

Motorbase Performance team principal David Bartrum said: "I'm absolutely over the moon with this result. A lot of really hard work has gone into this, from everyone in the team, and we wanted it badly. It was a great drive by Steven and he thoroughly deserved it.

"We've all been working towards this, right from the start of the season, and in all three races we showed we can be right up there challenging.

"I feel for Rob because I'm sure he would have wanted to be the one scoring our first podium, but given his performances this weekend, I'm sure he will be up there soon."

Collard had his best weekend to date for the team as he picked up points in all three drives.

Having started the first race in 15th place after he failed to get a clear qualifying run, he battled his way to a ninth-place finish in the opening round at the Norfolk track.

Next time out he was always in the leading pack and gained his second fourth-place finish of the season.

Then, in the final outing, he started fifth on the grid before getting caught in a mid-pack battle, eventually settling for 10th spot.

After his final outing, Collard said: "That was a very, very hard race. It was a really quick pace out there, as it was all weekend, and I was pleased to get three solid finishes.

"However, I was a bit disappointed with the final race as I got knocked around a lot and it was hard to climb back up the field after that.

"Still, to get points on the board in all three races was a very good result.

"I'm delighted for Steven and for the rest of the team. It just shows how much progress we have made."

The team now head to Oulton Park this coming weekend, looking for more success.

11:04am Tuesday 22nd July 2008

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