Rob Huff and Mehdi Bennani were released from hospital last night with no broken bones or permanent injuries after their horror crash at the start of Race 1 at Vila Real, with both drivers set to be able to return for the next round of the World Touring Car Cup at the Slovakiaring.

Bennani was the most affectd in the crash, with the Moroccan disoriented and suffering with a haematoma, while Huff’s injuries were bruising to his muscles and his coccyx.

The two cars however have been confirmed as write-offs, and the team will introduce to brand new Volkswagen Golf GTI TCRs for the two drivers at the next round of the championship in three weeks’ time.

“After this kind of shock, I have pain everywhere, what is the most important is the haematoma here behind my head which is hurting me,” said Bennani.

“I think my brain has moved and now as soon as I get up I feel dizzy. But it is normal: taking a 14G vertical and 12G lateral hit. This is actually the biggest crash ever seen so now I am happy to not have a big, big, big injury.

“Unfortunately I am not able to drive this weekend, so I hope it will be OK for the next race in Slovakia.”

Rob Huff was also bruised and winded after his car hit the barriers head-on, but is already feeling better today than he had on Saturday evening after the crash.

“We’ve just got to put this weekend behind us and look forward now to the next race in Slovakia,” said Huff.

“The cars were completely destroyed, so we have two new cars coming for the next round, but that means a lot more work for the guys to get them ready, so I’ll do my best to make sure to repay them for their hard work at the next race.

“I’d like to say a huge thanks to Gabriele Tarquini. I was very winded after the crash and couldn’t get out of my car, and with the engine oil spilling it was on fire, and he quickly came over and helped me get out of the car and stayed with me in the few minutes before the medical teams arrived. Also thanks to Yvan Muller, who also came to help out; it just shows that even though we’re all rivals on the track, there’s a great camaraderie between us all.”