Scot Rory Butcher had his first run out in Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship machinery at Snetterton on Thursday when he tested the Team Shredded Wheat Racing with Duo Ford Focus.

The former British GT and Porsche racer deputised for the team’s regular driver Martin Depper, who was forced to miss the second day of the official Snetterton tyre test as he was busy with work commitments.

Butcher, 30, who is the brother-in-law of reigning BTCC champion Gordon Shedden, has previously driven for Motorbase in the British GT Championship in an Aston Martin alongside Liam Griffin.

Motorbase Performance is looking for a driver to deputised for the injured Luke Davenport, who is still recovering in hospital after an accident during qualifying for the last rounds of the championship at Croft in mid-June.

Butcher drove Depper’s machine, while regular Mat Jackson handled the other Focus.

Motorbase Performance Team Principal David Bartrum said: “Martin was unable to be in the car today, and we are a bit short of drivers at the moment and so Rory stepped in. We have worked with him before and we know he has the ability.”

Butcher said: “It was a great experience driving BTCC car for the first time. It couldn’t be further away from a GT car which I am more used to. I have really enjoyed the challenge.”

Butcher was 10th after the morning’s running.