Derek Shepherd wouldn't approve! Patrick Dempsey gets back behind the wheel to take part in classic car rally

By Jennifer Smith for MailOnline

Published: 16:24 EST, 17 July 2015 | Updated: 16:36 EST, 17 July 2015

His beloved Grey's Anatomy character was sensationally killed off in a car accident earlier this year. 

But petrol head Patrick Dempsey has remained undeterred when it comes to getting behind the wheel. 

Giving in to his inner adrenalin-junkie, the raven-haired actor was seen speeding off in a vintage Porsche to take part in Austria's Ennstal Classic on Friday. 

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Action man: Patrick Dempsey gave an enthusiastic thumbs up from the wheel of a vintage Porsche on Friday

Action man: Patrick Dempsey gave an enthusiastic thumbs up from the wheel of a vintage Porsche on Friday

Donning a pair of action-man sunglasses and a racing helmet, Dempsey gave an enthusiastic thumbs up from the driver's seat of the car. 

He was joined by a friend as they took part in the annual rally in Goembing, Austria. 

Dempsey has taken a break from acting since departing Grey's Anatomy amid rumours of a row with the show's creator Shonda Rhimes. 

Need for speed: The actor was joined by a friend as they took part in the Ennstal Classic in Goebming, Austria

Need for speed: The actor was joined by a friend as they took part in the Ennstal Classic in Goebming, Austria

Winning smile: The handsome 49-year-old looked happy and relaxed as he prepared to drive off in the rally 

Winning smile: The handsome 49-year-old looked happy and relaxed as he prepared to drive off in the rally 

Fans of the popular programme were stunned when his character, handsome brain surgeon Derek Shepherd, was killed off in a sudden car accident.

Speaking of his leaving the show, Dempsey said: 'It just sort of unfolded in a very organic way. 

'I don’t remember the date. It was not in the fall. Maybe February or March. It happened very quickly.'

Time off: Dempsey and a friend prepared the classic, dressed in Porsche polo shirts and hats for the occasion 

Time off: Dempsey and a friend prepared the classic, dressed in Porsche polo shirts and hats for the occasion 

Boys time: The car lover filled up their engine with petrol before setting off at the event in Goebming, Austria 

Boys time: The car lover filled up their engine with petrol before setting off at the event in Goebming, Austria 

Show time: Dempsey and his team prepare to take their place at the beginning of the rally which attracts thousands every year 

Show time: Dempsey and his team prepare to take their place at the beginning of the rally which attracts thousands every year 

Of his well-known character he told EW: 'Shepherd is a beloved character. People don’t want to lose him. He’s been in their lives for over 10 years.'

In recent weeks the 49-year-old has been spotted spending time with his three children in their native California. 

It comes after his wife of 15 years, make-up artist Jillian Dempsey, filed for divorce in January. 

The couple have three children together, Talula, 12, and his eight-year-old twins Darby and Sullivan. 

Iconic: Dempsey played Dr Derek Shepherd in the hit show Grey's Anatomy for 10 years before departing this year 

Iconic: Dempsey played Dr Derek Shepherd in the hit show Grey's Anatomy for 10 years before departing this year 

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