In a u-turn, Hunter Abbott will now continue to race the Rob Austin Racing Audi A4 in the seventh Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship meeting of the season at Knockhill.
The Audi driver was expected to miss the meeting in Fife this weekend as he and his wife Susie prepare for the birth of their first child, but a deal with the team’s intended replacement driver was not completed in due time.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances last week, the deal fell through with the driver who was to going to stand in for me”, said Abbott.
“We searched for another suitable driver but could not find someone before Tuesday, which was the last opportunity to get some running in the car before Knockhill.”
Despite the decision to return to the driving seat for the race, the car could yet still be left without a driver in Fife should Abbott’s wife go into labour.
He added: “I will be racing the #54 Exocet AlcoSense Audi at the weekend with my fingers crossed that the little one doesn’t decide to make an appearance over the weekend and Susie will be at home watching the racing on ITV4, hopefully with her legs crossed!”