Neal rules out return to series this year

The 34-year-old has said the time has come to discount any talk of a comeback to the series, which he started with the works Peugeot team before a split soon after the opening round.

"We've got no options now," said Neal. "We've talked to everyone but it's just too late. If we went with the Lexus or Alfa I would be jumping from the frying pan into the fire. If I went with anything else, then we'd have to build a car which is just too expensive for us."

Neal is currently in the middle of a three-race deal to contest the European Touring Car Championship in his old Super Touring Nissan Primera.

"I like this series, it's got a nice atmosphere," he said. "We're looking for the money to do more races. Now I've had a taste of Europe, I'd like some more."

Neal will also contest four rounds of the Australian V8 Supercar series with Paul Morris's Holden team, starting in July. He will contest two sprint and two long-distance events.