Collard ruled out of BTCC Brands Hatch finale

Collard was involved in a meeting-ending shunt at Silverstone a fortnight ago after his BMW skated across the grass during the opening race and into the side of Will Burns’ Team Hard Volkswagen.

While Collard visited hospital immediately after the race, he was discharged later on Sunday evening and began building up his fitness again in preparation for the final round.

He finished 26th and 24th respectively in Saturday’s first and second practice sessions at Brands, but has since decided not to contest the remainder of the weekend.

A statement from WSR read: “Team BMW’s Rob Collard has unfortunately had to withdraw from this weekend’s final Official BTCC event of 2017 at Brands Hatch on medical grounds.

“The Hampshire driver, who was involved in a high-speed accident during the recent event at Silverstone, returned to action in free practice this morning.

“However, since the session, he has taken medical advice not to contest the remainder of the weekend. We would like to send our very best wishes to Rob.”

The team had rebuilt Collard’s car around its spare chassis - which was the car Collard last used in 2015 - in time for the weekend.

Collard’s Silverstone crash had eliminated him from title contention, but his WSR teammate Colin Turkington is currently second in the standings and 10 points behind leader Ash Sutton.