Collard, Turkington join RAC

The team, launched at the Autosport International show in January, will field two MG ZS cars for the experienced pair.

It marks a return to MG machinery for Turkington, who drove the WSR-prepared cars for three years from 2002 to 2004.

After starting life under the Team Atomic Kitten banner, Turkington graduated to the works squad and secured his first victory in the championship in 2003. Last season he drove for Vauxhall's works team, taking two wins.

"My first step into touring car racing was with them over the next three years I was able to achieve some fantastic results," Turkington said. "I feel very much at home with this team and I will be doing my maximum to ensure Team RAC is at the front of the grid.

"The last time I drove the car in 2004 it was a potential race winner at every meeting and I know the guys have been working day and night to extract even more speed from the car."

Collard drove for the team last season, securing his first BTCC win at Knockhill, and believes he can have a crack at the title this year.

"The MG was already a proven car, but with the development that it's received over the winter I'm sure this will result in me becoming a more frequent visitor to the podium," Collard said.

Team principal Dick Bennetts is equally bullish about his team's chances this season. He said: "I believe we have an incredibly strong driver line-up for this year's championship. 

"Colin is familiar with the set-up of the car and will assist immensely in terms of its development throughout the season. In Rob, we have an extremely experienced BTCC campaigner whose input during 2005 was invaluable.

"There is more to come from the car. Our engine partner, EDL, have undertaken an intensive development programme over the last couple of months. With the prospect of additional horsepower we're expecting a most competitive season."

The team have not ruled out the possibility of adding a third car to the line-up this season.