Attleborough's Rodolfo Gonzalez finally achieved a podium, finishing third in the second British F3 race at Thruxton.The Thruxton circuit in Hampshire is the fastest track in the UK and is a testing challenge that all drivers relish.

Attleborough's Rodolfo Gonzalez finally achieved a podium, finishing third in the second British F3 race at Thruxton.

The Thruxton circuit in Hampshire is the fastest track in the UK and is a testing challenge that all drivers relish.

Gonzalez was looking to build on his encouraging performances at the last couple of rounds and was hoping to qualify in the top six.

In Saturday morning qualifying Gonzalez was on target for a sixth place finish but a wheel issue meant he didn't get the chance to go out and improve so only managed a 10th place.

In the afternoon he had a better session and managed seventh place on the grid from 30-plus cars.

On Sunday Gonzalez again made a good start and over the next couple of laps made his way up to fifth place, with the leading group of four just a few seconds up the road.

Half way through the race two of the le-aders co-llided at the chicane, which put Gonzalez up into third place. Due to the location of the accident the clerk of the course called out the safety car to enable to removal of the crashed cars.

Once the safety car had been withdrawn Gonzalez tried to take second place at the Complex but was pushed out wide on to the dirty track and fell down to eighth place. He then battled with a group of cars and finished sixth (later changed to seventh).

The second race later in the afternoon was another frantic affair with a crash on the first lap bringing out the safety car again. Thanks to another good start Gonzalez had moved up to fifth place and this time after the safety car was withdrawn first caught and passed championship leader Asmer and then did the same with Engle to put him in a comfortable third place.

At the chequered flag Gonzalez punched the air with delight as he had finally got a podium finish.

In Parc Ferme his emotions caught up with him and there were joyous family and team hugs before he went off for the podium ceremony.

After the race Gonzalez added: “I have got to give a big thank you to my T-Sport team and well as the support from my family. I will now be determined to go for a win.”

The British F3 Championship now moves on to Croft with the next races on September 9.