Summarize

South African teenager Aqil Alibhai took his first Michelin British Ginetta Junior podium with a fine rookie class second in Thruxton’s opening race on Saturday, before delivering another two strong drives in the weekend’s second and third races. Alibhai’s jumped up three places in both the overall and rookie championship chases in the process, as he continues to progress by the race.

“This past weekend went very well at Thruxton,” Aqil pointed out after his most competitive outing yet in his Breakell Racing Ginetta. “I’m gaining confidence every time I sit in the car and my pace is improving by the session too. “I had good pace from the outset in Fridays practices and I was thrilled to qualify sixth overall. “The first race went very well — I just put my head down and chased hard to keep it in sixth as I came home second among the rookies. “It was a huge boost to stand on the podium for the first time — what a buzz!

“The second race started well — I was ninth on the grid and quickly made up a place for eighth, but then I got tangled in a bit of a mix and ended up twelfth. “Race three proved more challenging though — I finished fourteenth.

“All in all, I am really happy with my progress this weekend. “Thruxton brought my season's best result so far and a maiden podium — to do that at an international level really is one of my great achievements! “I’m much more comfortable with the car now and I’m getting involved in the mix, which is becoming exciting. “It’s also such a privilege to race and compete on the BTCC card here in the UK. “This racing is on another level, the crowds, the teams, trucks — it’s so professional.

“Special thanks as always to my team Breakell Racing, my driver coach Max Coates and to my dad for his never ending support. "Next round is a big one — Silverstone needs no introduction — bring it on!”