Bampton teenager Patrick Lay produced a stunning drive to finish runner-up in the Easy-kart World Championships in Italy.

The 17-year-old took second place in the 125cc senior lightweight class at Castelletto di Branduzzo, near Milan, despite being involved in a big accident at the start.

With a driver left unconscious, the race had to be restarted. From fourth on the grid for the grand final after finishing eighth and first in his two qualifying heats, Lay dropped to fifth.

He had moved up to third by the end of the fourth lap, and on lap 16 went second, before chasing fellow Brit Luca Hirst, setting the fastest lap of the race in the process.

Although he was unable to overhaul Hirst, he was thrilled to finish runner-up.

Lay said: “It was an experience I’ll never forget, the atmosphere was amazing and the racing was incredibly competitive.

“I’m very pleased with my result and hope to take the world title next year.”

He earned his place on the grid at the world championships after finishing ninth in the Easykart UK Championship in which he didn’t compete in all the rounds due to school exams.

Lay’s 13-year-old brother, James, finished 15th in the 100cc junior class.

Starting 23rd on the grid after failing to finish in one qualifying heat and coming seventh in the other, he worked his way up to ninth before being involved in an accident.

Despite his kart being damaged, he kept going to finish the race.