Chipping Norton’s Sean Walkinshaw was thrilled to claim his first Copa Class podium in the European Formula 3 Open at a baking-hot Jerez in Spain.

The 19-year-old rookie sliced his way through the field in the day’s first race to take third behind race winner Richard Gonda and Cameron Twynham – and 15th in the overall classification.

“It’s fantastic to take our first podium,” said Walkinshaw.

“I really enjoyed the race, we were competitive, the car was working really well and the guys at West-Tec did a great job with the set-up.

“It was definitely our best performance of the season so far.”

The second race wasn’t as fruitful for Walkinshaw after excellent qualifying pace on older rubber couldn’t be repeated on new tyres when he was baulked and had to settle for 13th in class – and 29th overall.

He now stands tenth in the Copa Class standings.

“It’s a bit annoying we couldn’t have qualified where we knew our pace was capable of, we had awesome performance on old tyres, but just couldn’t get a clear lap on the new rubber,” he said.

“In the race, I ended up stuck behind one of the F312 cars which was very difficult to try and get by.

“I burnt my tyres out trying to get ahead, so then got mugged again by a couple of others.

“I feel pretty happy with the overall performance.”