The Banbury-based, Prodrive-run Aston Martin Racing team recorded a podium finish at the second round of the American Le Mans Series in Houston, Texas.

Tomas Enge and Banbury-based Darren Turner, who finished third in the GT1 class at Sebring in March, brought their Aston Martin Racing DBR9 home third in class and fourth overall after a challenging two-hour, 45-minute race.

Their Aston Martin Racing team-mates Stephane Sarrazin and Pedro Lamy, second in class at Sebring, finished fourth in class, fifth overall in Houston.

After a strong race, Sarrazin was building a challenge for the GT1 class win before a spin, and bad luck behind the sole safety car of the race cost the 009 DBR9 a lap to the class leaders. The Frenchman was forced to stop when the pits were closed as he was low on fuel, and the team was unable to work on the car until the pits were declared open.

Aston Martin Racing team principal, George Howard-Chappell, said: "We were a little slow at the beginning but Stephane drove exceptionally well. He made a small mistake which was a shame but the biggest story for us was that we were unlucky on the closing of the pits due to the pace car just as we needed to refuel. That is what lost the race for us.

"We were close this weekend. Next weekend's race at Mid-Ohio will be a completely different ball game because it is a conventional circuit. That will be an indication of where we are against the opposition in real terms."

Scotsman Allan McNish and Italian co-driver Rinaldo Capello cruised to a dominant five-lap victory in their factory Audi R8 in the 165-minute race.