JASON Plato has been joined by multiple race winner Rob Collard at Bidford-on-Avon's Power Maxed Racing.

They have completed their 2019 British Touring Car Championship driver line-up by recruiting a man boasting 15 race wins, 61 podiums and 16 fastest laps in the competition.

Hampshire's Collard, 50, said: “My hunger for racing and desire to win is as strong as ever.

"I’m delighted to form a new partnership with PMR to return to the BTCC in 2019.

"I’ve watched their growth and development from day one and seen Adam (Weaver, team principal) and the team build a race-winning package that has gone from strength to strength.

"I’m very pleased to help build on that success alongside an experienced team-mate in Jason.

"Returning to front-wheel drive is a challenge I relish, particularly having won the independents' title in a Vauxhall Astra in the past.

"As always, I’d like to thank all of my sponsors, particularly Duo and Hitachi Construction Machinery, for their continued support for my 2019 campaign.”

Weaver said: “After our breakthrough year in 2018 we have been looking for a driver line-up that not only matches our ambitions but that also has the speed and experience to help us realise them.

"I am delighted that Rob has decided to join PMR to complete what I believe to be an incredibly strong driver line-up.

"It is quite surreal for me as the two drivers we have signed are ones that I grew up watching and are a big part of the reason I fell so in love with BTCC in the first place.

"Celebrating our eventual successes together are going to make all the hard work so worthwhile.”

PMR are due to start their extensive testing programme.