Former City of London Freemen’s School pupil Jack Clarke will be learning from the best after being signed up to the Honda Yuasa Racing driver development programme.

The 27-year-old has spent last season in the British Touring Car Championship as a rookie driver, but he was spotted after winning a podium place at Brands Hatch.

Honda have been one of the most successful BTCC for the past 10 years, having won five drivers’ championships, four constructors’ title and six teams’ title since 2005.

Clarke will spend next season working alongside former BTCC champions Gordon Shedden and Matt Neal, however, he will not be racing due to budgetary reasons.

He said: “It’s a tremendous honour to be joining the Honda Yuasa Racing driver development programme.

“I hugely enjoyed my maiden season in the BTCC, and although we were sadly unable to return to the grid this year, I always made it clear that my touring car ambitions were far from over.

“I’m really looking forward to working alongside Matt and ‘Flash’, two of the best and most successful drivers in BTCC history, and I’m sure I can learn a great deal from their experience and expertise.”