Ricky Collard enjoyed his final weekend in the British Touring Car Championship this season at Croft, where the Team VERTU driver scored yet another podium finish.

Collard rose to fourth overall in the drivers’ championship standings thanks to finishing seventh in the qualifying race, fifth in Sunday’s wet opening encounter and third in race two.

Although his season then concluded with a retirement in race three – after being taken out by NAPA Racing UK’s Dan Cammish at the first corner – Collard has still had his strongest-ever season in the BTCC, notching up seven podium finishes and a personal-best points haul.

“I’ve had a fantastic car this weekend, we’ve walked away with another podium and I’m fourth overall in the championship,” said Collard to TouringCars.Net.

“But unfortunately, this is the last hurrah for Ricky. I’ve had an absolute blast – I’ve really enjoyed it.

“I feel like I’ve grabbed the bull by the horns, and given it my best.

“We’re fourth in the championship, and the season has been fantastic for someone that’s had zero experience in the car – zero testing.”

When pressed about his next move, Collard was tight-lipped, with his EXCELR8 Motorsport seat expected to be filled by 57-year-old Japanese racer Osamu Kawashima for the final two events.

“I don’t know [what’s next],” continued Collard. “I’m just going to go back to work. I’m so grateful to have the opportunity just to do one race, let alone 24. I don’t know what the future holds for me.

“I just got the news on Saturday [at Croft] that I wasn’t going to be racing for the last two events.

“It had been possible [that something would change], but it’s just finances.”

The 30-year-old remains hopeful that he can return to the grid in 2027.

“Hopefully we can return next year to see what we can do in a full campaign.”