Will Bratt managed to convert a disappointing qualifying run ahead of the tenth and 11th rounds of the 2008 FIAT Spanish Formula 3 Championship into a top ten points-scoring finish at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours in France.

The weekend started promisingly for the 20-year-old British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) Rising Star during testing on Friday, as he concluded the day fourth fastest on overall times during his maiden appearance at the track.

Lining up an uncharacteristic 18th on the grid for round ten after difficulties during qualifying on Saturday, Banbury-based Bratt headed into his first race at Magny-Cours with a huge challenge ahead of him but he ran very impressively to achieve a top ten.

Lapping well throughout, the EmiliodeVillota.com Motorsport racer climbed from the ninth row of the grid with some excellent overtaking and could have actually reached the heights of the top six had he not endured a high-speed spin part way through the race.

Unfortunately for Bratt, damage to his front-wing at the Adelaide Hairpin on the opening lap as the field bunched up resulted in problems and he ended the race down in 18th position. At the point of the incident, he was challenging for eighth position and looked well placed.

Bratt said: "It's been disappointing as things looked pretty good after setting the fourth fastest time in testing on Friday. Qualifying wasn't good at all but I was pleased to get a top ten from 18th on the grid."

Maintaining tenth position in the driver standings, his Spanish F3 focus now turns to the 12th and 13th rounds of the season which take place next weekend, at Valencia, Spain.