Brett Smith is to make the move up to the BTCC for the remainder of the 2017 season after Eurotech confirmed he will take over at the wheel of the Honda Civic previously raced by father Jeff.

Smith Sr will miss the rest of the season as he continues to recover from the injuries he sustained in the multi-car accident that occurred during qualifying at Croft.

The 51-year-old was released from hospital last week but faces a long road back to full fitness, with the team having looked into a number of options as to who could partner Jack Goff for the remaining five meetings of the year.

The decision has now been taken that Brett – who currently leads the MINI Challenge standings having taken five victories so far this season – will step into the team’s BTCC line-up from Snetterton onwards, with his first run in the car coming next week in testing at the Norfolk circuit.

“I am naturally extremely disappointed for my season to be ended in this way,” Smith Sr said. “Having assessed a number of driver options the team are in agreement that Brett gives us the best opportunity to provide a strong second half to the season.”