Matt Neal hopes to continue his fight for the 2011 British Touring Car Championship at Knockhill in just over two weeks, in spite of carrying an injury.

The Honda Racing driver broke his right hand over the weekend during a martial arts sparring session. His hand is now in a splint and he has an appointment with a specialist on the Friday before the Knockhill weekend begins.

“It’s self-inflicted,” he said. “I was sparring and I felt something was wrong. It ballooned up like a comedy hand so I got myself to hospital this morning [Tuesday].”

When asked about whether he would make Knockhill he added:  “No question about it. I might have to go and visit Dr [Paul] Trafford (the BTCC’s chief doctor) for some of his magic medicine.

“Luckily it’s not my gearshift hand, but I’m feeling a bit fed up. Of all places, it would have to be Knockhill next, a twisty circuit where we have to fling the cars around.”

Photo Credit: Pete Mainey (www.psmmotorsportimages.co.uk)

Richard Devine is our Renault Clio Cup correspondant for 2012. You can contact him at richard@btcccrazy.co.uk or on twitter at @ricker666.