Toyota Gazoo Racing UK stablemates Rory Butcher and Ricky Collard concluded the team’s 2022 British Touring Car Championship campaign in commanding form.
During last weekend’s final event at Brands Hatch’s legendary GP circuit, Rory raced to an impressive double podium to secure fifth place in the overall standings, while Ricky concluded the season further down the table but ahead of a number of multiple champions in his Corolla GR Sport.
We caught up with Rory, Ricky and team principal Christian Dick to hear their thoughts on the 2022 British Touring Car Championship, its epic finale and how these could influence the 2023 season.
Rory Butcher’s 2022 BTCC review
“We came into this season with a different engine package and a shake-up in the regulations with the hybrid system replacing success ballast, and it took us the first four or five weekends to get to where we should be. But over the second half, we really settled into our stride.
“I was absolutely buzzing after qualifying [at Brands Hatch]. It was great to back up our Silverstone form with another front row start, and I felt in a good place – properly gunning for it and on the hunt for some trophies. We’ve actually been mega-consistent this year and have scored points in 29 of the 30 races – that kind of consistency is really hard to come by in this championship.
“It’s been a very special end to the season. I feel like we’re really building some momentum. We’ve learned so much and that fills us with confidence for 2023. Hopefully we can go into next year, hit the ground running and really exploit that to have a genuine crack at the title.”
Ricky Collard’s review
“After the damage at Silverstone, I had a completely new car for Brands Hatch. And it’s a massive credit to everyone at Speedworks that we had minimal problems with it first time out. Race three [last weekend] was probably the best I’ve had all year, with some enjoyable battles. I think Colin Turkington and I ran side-by-side for nearly half a lap!
“Looking back, it’s been the toughest season I’ve ever had, with…
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