And the 47-year-old proved that his rally driving techniques are a great foundation for success on the race track when the former British rally champion recorded two impressive results.

Gwyndaf finished a creditable sixth overall in the first race after qualifying in 13th position against a full grid of Volkswagens.

And in the second race he performed even better finishing fourth overall, beaten only by some of the more powerful machinery in the championship.

“It was great to be given the opportunity to try my hand at racing but it really is a different discipline,” said Gwyndaf.

“I had no co-driver to tell me what I was doing all weekend and although some of the driving skills are the same there are market differences.

“In rallying the grip is unpredictable so you tend to use more steering while in racing finesse is crucial – as is keeping an eye on everyone around,” he said.

Hankook motorsports manager Mike Patterson said that getting Gwyndaf into the Volkswagen Polo GTI had been a great way of uniting the firm’s motorsport activities – its team in the British Rally Championship and sponsorship of the Volkswagen Racing Cup.

“The two forms of motorsport are very different so it was great to be able to get Gwyndaf into one of the racing cars,” said Mike.

“Gwyndaf was up against some very talented drivers in the Volkswagen Racing Cup so we are delighted that he managed to record such impressive results.”

Gwyndaf is back in action next month for the penultimate round of the Tesco 99 Octane MSA British Rally Championship.