Ricky Collard has wasted no time in taking a swipe at his replacement. Just days after losing his Hyundai seat at Team VERTU, the British driver took to Instagram to share a fan's story criticising the team's decision to drop him, adding his own barb: "Off to support my family race not watch my car be driven round in last place 3 seconds off the pace."
Collard's frustration is understandable. Throughout the 2026 BTCC season, his budget struggles were a constant talking point, with many predicting he wouldn't even make it to the halfway mark. But a contract extension kept him in the car until Croft. Then came the bombshell: Team VERTU signed 57-year-old Osamu Kawashima as reserve driver, later confirming he would race at Silverstone and Brands Hatch GP.
Kawashima arrives with a unique pedigree. The Japanese driver finished runner-up in the Ginetta GT4 amateur class in 2015 and sampled a Speedworks Toyota Avensis in a one-day test in 2016. He is the first Japanese driver in the BTCC since Kunimitsu Takahashi in 1985. "I'm hugely excited to become the first Japanese driver to race in the BTCC in the modern era," Kawashima said. "When I previously raced in the UK in Ginettas, I set myself the goal of competing in the BTCC. It's taken longer than I hoped, but my dream is now finally coming true."
However, Kawashima's on-track debut at Silverstone left much to be desired. He was off the pace in free practice, languishing around three seconds adrift of the leaders. That performance gave Collard all the ammunition he needed, and his social media post made his feelings clear.
Team VERTU's decision to replace Collard raised eyebrows. The former British GT champion had delivered podiums and points, but budget and marketing considerations seemingly tipped the scales in Kawashima's favour. The Japanese driver brings a fresh narrative and potential commercial appeal, yet results on track remain the ultimate currency.
Kawashima himself acknowledges the learning curve. "I'd like to express my gratitude to everyone at EXCELR8 for making it possible and for supporting me during testing," he added. The team, for its part, hopes the investment pays off as the season progresses.
For now, all eyes will be on Kawashima to see if he can silence the critics and justify the team's faith. Collard, meanwhile, has shifted his focus to supporting his family's racing endeavours, but his pointed remarks suggest the wound is still fresh. The BTCC paddock will be watching closely.
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