Banstead motorhead Matt Flowers is returning to the scene of last season’s major crash to kick-start a fresh assault on the Ginetta GT5 Challenge.

In April last year, the opening weekend of the Challenge at Oulton Park ended in disaster when the 25-year-old crashed out.

His 1.8l engine G40 car needed a complete rebuild, haemorrhaging funds that should have been spent on testing, and he would eventually end the championship in ninth spot.

This time round, he is looking to come through Saturday’s opening rounds unscathed, as well as challenge the leading pack.

Flowers, who still races with Academy Motorsport, said: “I actually enjoy racing at Oulton, it’s a tight and narrow track, and a real challenge.

“Last year was just unlucky, I have no fear of it happening again.”

He added: “I only managed to secure my racing deal a couple of weeks ago so we’ve had no time for testing. But I have a year’s experience at his level behind me and I am confident that will help me challenge for podiums.

“The ultimate aim is the title, but while last year’s top drivers have moved up a level to the SuperCup, there will be a lot of fresh faces to take on. It is going to be a very competitive season.”