JONATHAN Kennard just missed out on a podium finish in the opening race of the National Class of the British Formula 3 International Series at Donington Park on Sunday.

The 19 year-old from Tunbridge Wells, starting from sixth on the grid, started well to move up two places but a collision ahead on the start/finish straight caused the deployment of the safety car while the stricken cars of Tim Bridgman and Suk Sandher were cleared.

At the restart, Jonathan slotted in behind Keiko Ihara in a quicker championship class car but was held up for several laps, and did not pass him until lap 10. The delay enabled National runner Charles Hollings to close the gap and he eventually passed Kennard on the last lap.

Kennard said: "It was an enjoyable race, although I'm disappointed not to have had a podium finish. At the start I couldn't even see the lights because of the rear wing of the car in front, but nevertheless I made a reasonable start, I just went with everyone else.

"The car was great, much better after the changes we made after qualifying so I thought a podium finish was very much a possibility."

The second race of the day looked like giving the teenager at least a podium finish after a fast start from fifth on the grid saw him gain three places.

He settled into second place behind Barton Mawer, but another incident sent out the safety car and at the restart Kennard held position and was closing on the class leader.

But on the fifth lap as he was chasing down Mawer in front, Josh Fisher behind made a desperate attempt to take the place and the two collided sending kennard into a roll and instant retirement.

Kennard concluded: "Generally I'm pleased with the pace this weekend, although obviously unhappy with the result in race two. I feel I could have won that second race, the car was pretty good and I'm made a great start, and was closing on Mawer until the accident put me out."