Lydden Hill's first-ever FIA World Rallycross Championship round was hailed a success today after more than 10,000 spectators enjoyed the thrilling action.

In what was classed as the Canterbury circuit's biggest event in its history, thousands of fans watched on as British hope Andrew Jordan grabbed an impressive podium finish, whilst Norwegian Andreas Bakkerud took the overall win.

Both circuit bosses and championship organisers dubbed the event a triumph as every race ran to schedule and produced fantastic action, especially in the record-breaking 37-strong Supercar class.

Circuit owner Pat Doran was delighted with how the weekend went: "What an event, best in the world," he said.

"We put on a show to show the world what we can do, at our best, down here in Kent.

"It's been incredible. Kent's not seen excitement in this part - it brings life to Dover and this area.

"By miles the biggest event, fantastic, brilliant."

On track, the four championships - Supercar, Super 1600, TouringCar and RX Lites - all produced memorable racing.

In what was a thrilling Supercar final, all eyes were on British hope and current British Touring Car champion, Andrew Jordan.

The 25-year-old returned to his rallycross roots for a one-off weekend and after qualifying from a tense semi-final, Jordan started the final from the back row.

He produced a determined display to rise through the field and once his rivals had taken their joker laps, the Lichfield man was in third position on the final lap, which he held to the flag.

Jordan said post-race: "I couldn't have expected that to get a podium in my return.

"It was a British championship before so to do it at European, World level is unreal - I can't believe it."

Teammate Andreas Bakkerud raced to first, just beating the impressive Robin Larsson who starred all weekend in his Audi.

Toomas Heikkinen took fourth, with Tanner Foust fifth after contact with Petter Solberg at the Devil's Elbow, who took sixth.

Sittingbourne's Liam Doran couldn't reach the semi final stage in his Citroen DS3 after mechanical gremlins and a jump start hurt his progress.

Pat Doran also praised the Lydden circuit staff who made the event run smoothly - including dealing with the situation when his classic Ford RS200 caught fire in the final action on Saturday.

"It finished on time, no dramas - except for me - it was brilliant," he added.

"There's a thousand people here today working; if you count the crews, everyone, the marshals."

Elsewhere, Russian Sergej Zagumennov bettered the rapid Ulrik Linnemann to the Super 1600 spoils in his Skoda Fabia.

Daniel Lundh won the TouringCar category from Anders Braten, whilst 16-year-old Mitchell DeJong took the RX Lites spoils on the championship's first-ever visit to Lydden.

Ex-Formula 1 racer Nelson Piquet Junior retired from the final with engine issues.

A report on the Lydden Hill action will appear in this week's Kentish Gazette, out on Thursday.