The rise and rise of New Malden's Tom Onslow-Cole took a spectacular turn when he grabbed a maiden podium finish in round five of the British Touring Car Championship race at Rockingham last weekend, writes Cathy Metcalfe.

The 19-year-old had started eighth on the grid after finishing in that position in race one, and quickly shot into third before the safety car was deployed to retrieve a number of stricken cars.

At the restart, he slotted in behind eventual race winner Fabrizio Giovanardi and Tom Chilton, the latter coming under intense pressure from Onslow-Cole, the reigning Elf Renault Clio Cup champion.

He finally made a move stick and came home second to the delight of the massive crowd and Team RAC/WSR.

In the third and final race, Onslow-Cole was forced to retire when his radiator overheated, but it failed to dampen his spirits.

"It's an awesome feeling to get my first podium so early in the season," he said.

"My aim at the beginning of the year was to be on the podium by the midway point, but to achieve it at the second race meeting is amazing."

His efforts in Northamptonshire have lifted him to seventh in the championship standings.

Racing continues at Thruxton in Hampshire track on May 5-6.