Kent’s Simon Rudd is back behind the wheel this coming weekend as he hits the track for his first season in the Ford Focus Cup.

First up will be a trip to Donington Park for the first of what is a ten race championship.

The penultimate round of the season will come at his home circuit of Brands Hatch in September with two races.

Speaking about missing out on a drive in 2020 and taking a year out, Simon said: “Last year was tough for us with everything going on so we made the decision not to put any pressure or stress on our partners.

“Plus we had a new addition to the family so it was good to spend time with her too!”

Simon is looking forward to hitting the track at the weekend and even got behind the wheel last week for a test run.

He added: “I am in such a privileged position to be able to go racing and have so many great people around me helping me to achieve this – so I am looking forward to getting racing for those guys as much as myself!

“It was a really good day. It was my first day in a race car for 16 months or so and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

“There is a lot to learn with the car, I am moving back to front wheel drive which should be fun but its a technique I have been out of touch with for four years.”

“I can’t wait to get out at Donington next week. It has been so long waiting for a weekend of racing to come about.

“The championship is going from strength to strength and I think this year will be the strongest yet.”

Finally we asked Simon whether he has set himself any targets for the season ahead.

“Its going to be tough, but my aim is to win the championship. I will be taking it a race at a time to pick up the points, learn the car and the championship and hopefully push on in the second half of the season.

“We had a good test day, so I think we can be fighting in the first few rounds.”