Ben Jelf won bronze in the second round of the British Powerboat Championships at Bedford.

Jelf, from Harrietsham, competed as a guest for Tintorera Racing in the GT30 class at Stewartby last weekend. He last raced in the GT30 category six years ago.

Testing the boat’s new hull, designed by Stuart Atlee and built in Kent, he qualified in third place.

Jelf finished third in the first three heats before winning the final race to confirm overall bronze.

“This has been a real project of passion for Stuart and the Tintorera Racing Team, so to be asked to drive the boat for them is a real honour,” said Jelf.

“Development began before Covid, so it is great to see the project finished and to bring home the first of many pieces of silverware I know this boat is capable of.

“I really enjoyed getting back in a GT30. To be fair, I just love racing so any opportunity is great training for me.

“Both Stuart and I have taken a lot away from the weekend and now we look at becoming faster for the next race in a few weeks and hopefully a higher podium finish.”

With Jelf not back in the F1H2O series until October, he will compete at the British Sprint Championships on August 3-4 for Tintorera Racing.