BANBURY’S Will Bratt experienced mixed fortunes in the first two rounds of the FIA Formula 2 Championship at Silverstone.

In the first race, the 22-year-old came a brilliant second to Italian Mirko Bortolotti.

But the following day he was on course for anotther podium finish when he was disqualified for ignoring a drive though penalty.

Qualifying third fastest for the first race over 21 laps, Bratt got ahead of a slow-starting Miki Monras and never looked likely to relinquish the runner-up place.

Bratt, who scooped 18 championship points, said: “I’m pretty happy with the race, but it was really tough actually.

“I had Miki on my back the whole race, but the finishing position is good, I’m definitely happy with it.”

He was not so happy the following day.

Bratt was well-placed after qualifying fourth on the grid and a fast start.

But he failed to see a drive-through penalty flag, shown for not respecting track limits.

This turned into a black flag on lap 17 and led to the Banbury racer being disqualified.

The race was won by Monras.

After round two of the 16-race championship, Bratt lies sixth in the standings behind Bortolotti.