Luke Davenport returned to a touring car for the first time since his huge smash half-way through the British Touring Car Championship season when he tested Motorbase Performance’s TCR car at Snetterton on Tuesday.

Davenport recently regained his MSA racing licence, having been out of track action since suffering from multiple injuries in qualifying for the BTCC at Croft in June.

The 24-year-old has spent the past five months working hard on rehabilitation, and is now fit enough to get back behind the wheel of a racing car, albeit not a BTCC machine.

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“It’s great for my head to get back out in the car again,” said the Cambridge-based racer. “I was definitely erring on the side of caution.

“After a cautious warming up of the tyres it was like putting an old pair of boots on, I haven’t forgotten my technique and it was just like getting back into a normal test session again.

“The plan is to focus on getting back out fully next year. Today has been brilliant, not just mentally but also for my physio and we have a few target areas to work on to make sure that that I’m absolutely fit for next season.

“It’s been a fantastic opportunity that David [Bartrum, Team Principal] has given me to let me go out there and show everyone that I’m back, working hard for next year and ready to go.”

Bartrum was delighted to have Davenport return to the track in one of his cars, calling it a positive end to the year for the team which endured an emotional time in June.

“It’s a great feeling to see Luke back out in one of our cars,” said Bartrum. “After the crash earlier this year, it really is a happy ending to the season.

“It was quite emotional watching him go up the pit lane for the first time today. Thinking back to when I saw him in hospital straight after the crash and then subsequently what he’s gone through to get here today – it’s amazing the amount of ground that he’s covered so quickly.

“I’m very happy to say that Luke’s driven one of my cars today at a circuit at a decent pace and most importantly that he looks well. The old Luke is back!”