Rob Austin will race at Snetterton this weekend despite a nasty leg wound requiring 13 stitches – which the Audi A4 racer says was caused by a shark attack on holiday in Greece!

Austin says he doesn’t envisage the wound causing him any problems, other than a slight limp.

And back on the track, he hopes the hot conditions predicted will help his rear-wheel drive machinery compete at the front again.

Austin said: “I’d come off the waterskis and was climbing back into the boat when this shark came from out of nowhere. It clearly took a liking to me as it decided to give me a love bite. I somehow fought it off with my bare hands, like Tarzan.

“There was blood everywhere but I still got the boat back to shore, dragged myself into my hotel and found one of those complimentary sewing kits and patched myself up. A couple of Jack Daniels helped get me through the pain.”

A team spokesman said: “There is of course the possibility that there was another reason behind the flesh wound but Rob is sticking to his story.”

On the race weekend, Austin said: “I think we’re in reasonably good shape and I’m hoping for a typical scorching hot weekend in Norfolk – that could play right into our hands as the Audi looks after its tyres better than most of the front-wheel-drive opposition which could really start to feel the heat as the races wear on.

“It’s the longest circuit on the calendar and there could be some real dramas in the closing laps. We just need to make sure we’re in the best position possible to capitalise.

“I don’t envisage the leg causing me too much bother. I’ve got a slight limp but big boys don’t cry.”