Canterbury based racer Tristan Ovenden and his team headed down the M4 to Pembrey Cirucit in Wales for rounds 7 and 8 of the 5 Nations Trophy. Looking to get his championship challenge back on track last time out.

Ovenden got straight down to business and topped the standing at the Intermediate stage with a third and first place.

Starting from pole he made the perfect start and held off frantic challenges for the lead opting to take his Joker on the final lap winning by a clear 3 second margin.

A pole position start for the final was exactly what Ovenden wanted. But he was beaten into third at turn 1 after taking his joker of lap 4 to gain some clear air paid off earning him second at the flag.

Sunday and round 8 saw the circuit run in the reverse direction incorporating the new layout into turn one. At the intermediate stage he was in third place.

Middle of the front row was where he started the semi-final. Which arguably was a better start position than pole he was first into turn 1 and lead the race right up until the final lap where he lost 2 places whilst he took his joker.

Ovenden lined up for the final with a second-row grid position, leaving a lot to do to challenge at the front of the race. After the long drag into turn 1 he held his nerve and guided his Citroen supercar into P4. He was forced to take his joker on the first lap and despite chopping and changing positions crossed the line to finish third.

Ovenden has squarely got his season back on track as he now sits in second place in the points standings by a single point.

Speaking after the weekend, Ovenden said: “We had a positive weekend. Great pace on Saturday, a little annoyed I didn’t get a better start in the final, but really pleased with second. The team are making good progress on how to get the best out of the car.

“Sunday was shaping up to be as good, until we had a fuel pump issue that just put a little off step and slightly hampered the heats, otherwise I think a front row start for the final was on.

“Fabulous team work to get us through the day, so we could have a good run in the final, with a much better start as well! And third was another really good result. Thanks to everyone and our sponsors for the support.’

Images courtesy of Matt Bristow Photography