Murphy makes V8s return

By: AAP | Motorsport News | Monday August 27 2012 18:28

Veteran Greg Murphy got behind the wheel of his V8 Supercar for the first time since May on Monday as he aims to return for this year's endurance races.

The four-time Bathurst 1000 champion took part in a ride day at Sydney Motorsport Park, the first time he's driven his Kelly Racing Holden Commodore since undergoing back surgery.

It raises hopes the 40-year-old New Zealander will be able to resume driving duties for this year's endurance events at Sandown and Bathurst alongside co-driver Owen Kelly.

"It's not a bad way for me to ease back into it," Murphy told motorsport website Speedcafe.com.

"There's quite a lot of rides to do today, and Owen is going to be there, so that will relieve some of the strain of myself getting back in."

In Murphy's absence his No.51 Commodore has been driven by David Russell in Darwin before ex-Formula One world champion Jacques Villeneuve jumped into the seat for Townsville, Queensland Raceway and last weekend's round at Sydney Motorsport Park.

Murphy's former teammate Russell Ingall said he was looking forward to his fellow veteran's return.

"It's also going to be handy to bring the average up a bit as well," Ingall, 48, told AAP.

"Murph's a character and he should be back in the seat and continue to have a seat in the category as well because I think the sport lacks true characters."

Photo: Photosport

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