JORDAN Albert clinched his second victory of the season to keep his Duo BRDC Formula 4 Championship hopes alive.

The 18-year-old, who races for Chipping-Norton based SWR, made the most of a front row start in a dramatic second race at Brands Hatch.

With pole-sitter Chris Mealin jumping the start, Albert maintained second position during the early laps.

And when Mealin was handed a ten-second penalty, Albert went onto take the flag.

Albert is sixth in the standings on 230 points, 118 behind championship leader Will Palmer of HHC Motorsport, and is confident he can close the gap with nine rounds remaining.

He said: “To get my second win of the year is great.

“I knew what the situation was with Mealin, as he jumped the start quite badly, so I knew I was leading the race.

“It is still all to play for in the championship, there are plenty of rounds left, so I’m still fighting hard.”

After finishing seventh in the first race, Albert started from second on the grid and, despite being behind Mealin, led the race due to his rival’s penalty.

The teenager held off the attentions of Omar Ismail and Harri Newey to finish first.

However, he was unable to build upon his victory and finished ninth in the last race.

SWR teammate Zubair Hoque was 16th, 13th and 15th.

Team owner Sean Walkinshaw said: “We’re delighted with our second win of the season.

“Jordan did a great job and the result has definitely boosted his confidence.

“Overall it’s not been too bad for the championship – it could still go anywhere with nine races left.”

The next round is at Snetterton between August 22-23.