Ex-Formula 1 driver Martin Donnelly will make his British Touring Car Championship debut for the Infiniti Support Our Paras Racing team at Thruxton this weekend, replacing Richard Hawken.
Speculation had grown earlier this week with AUTOSPORT reporting that talks had been ongoing between Donnelly and the team, although those plans appeared to have been put on hold.
But having had a seat fitted in the team’s second Infiniti Q50 earlier today, the Northern Irishman will now make his debut in tomorrow’s first practice session at Thruxton, with Hawken moving aside.
Donnelly, who suffered severe injuries including bruising to his lungs and his brain in a crash during qualifying for the 1990 Spanish Grand Prix, was eager to start his involvement in the championship.
“It’s great to be involved with the inspiring Infiniti Support Our Paras Racing team, working alongside the injured ex-Paratroopers,” he said. “And I’m looking forward to contributing to the team.
“I can relate to these guys with what they are trying to overcome with their disabilities, having suffered my own injuries back in 1990 at Jerez.
“Clearly it’s going to be a very steep learning curve, but I’m up for the challenge. My primary goal is to see the chequered flag at the end of Sunday’s three races, and I’m looking forward to racing in the BTCC this weekend.”