Rob Huff was lucky to escape injury when he crashed heavily on the opening lap of the 2006 FIA World Touring Car Championship race at Puebla, Mexico today. The 25 year-old Cambridge driver, who once again out-performed his Chevrolet Lacetti team-mates to post the 16th quickest time, was forced to start from the back of the grid after an engine change.

At the lights, a superb start saw him scythe his way through the field passing five cars before his car was shunted off the track and into the concrete retaining wall. After a lengthy time, Rob was able to walk away from the wreckage, dazed but otherwise unhurt.

After being taken by ambulance to the circuit's medical centre, Rob was airlifted to a nearby local hospital, where he was later released without injury.

Although the car was destroyed in the accident, Rob will of course return to racing action, in the next round of the championship, at Brno in the Czech Republic on September 2nd/3rd. He is also due to take part in a club event in his MGB at Brands Hatch in two weeks time.