Two long-standing injuries means Martyn Bell will sit out 2010’s Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

Bell has been told by doctors he requires surgery to cure a long standing injury to his back which he sustained in a heavy shunt in 2008’s BTCC round at Snetterton.

In addition, he then suffered a hip injury in a fall while on holiday in 2009. At the time that forced him to skip several BTCC fixtures – the first time he’d missed a round since debuting in the series in 2006.

The Lincolnshire driver said: “It’s been common knowledge that I have been carrying an injury since July, but after extensive tests and treatment following the final round of the season at Brands Hatch, it has now been discovered that I suffered a fracture in my hip, and have now developed arthritis.

“Added to the fact that I also require surgery on a long-standing back injury, I’ve been forced into the difficult decision to sit out the 2010 season.”

In 2009, Bell raced alongside Paul O’Neill in a Honda Integra for the popular sunshine.co.uk with tech-Speed team. Two eighth place finishes and O’Neill’s performances in particular had given him high hopes for 2010.

But he added: “It’s not a decision I have taken lightly, but in reality I had no option. My sponsors and backers fully understand the reasons behind the decision and have already said that they will continue to support me despite this setback. To have that level of support behind me is fantastic and I thank them all for it, and I fully intend to be back in the BTCC in 2011.”

“I was looking forward to 2010 and am obviously disappointed that I won’t be able to race this season, but it has reached the stage where I am in pain driving my road car, so surgery is the only option. I’m also gutted that I’ve been told not to ride my motocross bike anymore and I’m not sure I’ll manage a round of golf for a while… which is a right pain as I just bought some new clubs!”