HAMPSHIRE touring car ace Rob Collard is switching driving disciplines this week and taking on the challenge of the final round of the British Rally Championship.

The former BTCC Independents Cup winner will be driving a Subaru Impreza in the South of England Tempest Rally in the Hampshire Forests close to his home in Eversley.

Collard has bought a Group N Subaru Impreza to contest the International section of the 17-stage rally, which will see him take on 62 competitive stage miles.

"I'd watched the Tempest for many years - one of the stages is only 200 yards from where my business is based, and a quarter of a mile from my house," explained Collard.

"So last year I hired a car and had a good run.

"I wanted something a bit more competitive this year - so I bought the Subaru.

"I'm aiming to get to the finish. We broke down last year so a respectable result would be great.

"I'd like to do some more events over the winter and really get up to speed.

"It would be good to do both the racing and some rallies next year, but that depends on money."

The first three spectator stages of the South of England Tempest Rally take place on Friday night night with the majority of the event - 60 stage miles - taking place on Saturday.

Collard has as yet to confirm his co-driver for the event.