HALE-based Formula 4 racing driver Zubair Hoque has scored his first podium success just months after signing for Sean Walkinshaw Racing (SWR) and making his debut in the 2015 BRDC F4 Championship.

The 18-year-old collected the silverware after a dramatic and determined drive in round six of the series staged at the Rockingham Motor Speedway circuit in Northamptonshire.

Despite difficult weather conditions and a number of on-track dramas in earlier rounds four and five – including a forced pit stop by Zubair after a puncture caused by contact by a rival competitor – he powered his way through the final race to cross the chequered flag in third position.

From the start Hoque seriously impressed with a best lap time just 0.006 seconds shy of the fastest in the race.

Starting ninth on the grid he nudged into seventh place on the opening run and then leapt into fifth by lap three.

Two laps later he spotted his chance to climb even further up the field, pulled away from the pack and made third place his own.

He was presented with his trophy by A1GP Champion, Adam Carroll.

At the start of the year Zubair switched from HHC Motorsport to join top rated SWR, based in Chipping Norton, as the team’s maiden signing for BRDC’s (British Racing Drivers Club) full season 2015 F4 series.

SWR Commercial Manager, Mick Gomme, said: “ The promise shown by Zubair throughout testing and in the early rounds of this year’s series has more than delivered on our expectations.

“He takes a determined and intelligent approach to each and every race and his reward has been this highly creditable first podium place just months into his ‘rookie’ season in single seat racing.

“He is showing tremendous pace and we expect to see more great results before the end of the series.”

After collecting his first F4 trophy, Zubair said: “ The Rockingham rounds were eventful and not without various mishaps, but in the third race I managed to get a clean getaway at the start and kept myself out of trouble over the opening laps.

“From there it was all about being consistent and picking off the drivers in front.

“I’m pleased with my pace throughout the race and the buzz I got from my first podium place has provided a tremendous motivational boost.

“With the great support I am getting from SWR management and fellow team mates, I’m hoping to learn more and continually improve to secure more top rankings this season.”

Zubair started his racing career in karts at the Daytona circuit in Manchester and achieved many notable successes in international events across 13 different countries, before making his move into Formula 4.

His next race will be in rounds seven, eight and nineof the BRDC F4 Championship at Silverstone GP between May 30-31.