Herbert injures ankle in SEAT shunt

Herbert was taking part in the final double-header of the inaugural Spanish Supercopa to raise awareness of the series ahead of its UK debut next season. It is expected to feature on the British Formula 3 and GT package next year.

The Audi sportscar racer enjoyed a stunning first race, moving from 17th on the grid to seventh, placing him seventh on the grid for race two. But, at the start of the second race, Herbert was barged at the first corner before being tapped into a spin and T-boned heavily at turn two.

He sustained a badly bruised ankle and slight bruising to his neck in the crash, which involved five cars.

Despite this, Herbert said he enjoyed the weekend and thinks the SEAT Leon Supercopa would be a successful training ground for budding British and European Touring Car Championship stars.

"It's been fun," he said. "I've had to get used to the car very quickly. All the braking distances and speeds around the circuit are very different from the last time I was here.

"If the series is marketed properly in the UK, which I am sure it will be, it will be a big success. The cars are a real challenge to drive and the opportunity to set the cars up will help drivers learn their craft."

SEAT UK has already confirmed that the winner of next year's Leon Supercopa will secure a works drive in the Spanish firm's European Touring Car Championship campaign.