Clapham-based Sam Hancock ended the 2008 Porsche Carrera Cup GB season with a podium and fourth-place finishes from two races at Brands Hatch over the weekend, securing enough points to claim third place overall in drivers’ championship.

Starting third in race one, Hancock received a boost to his hopes of a strong result when pole sitter Tim Bridgman suffered a broken driveshaft on his installation lap.

Wheel-spin off the line, however, saw him lose a place to Michael Caine, and nearly into the clutches of team-mate Phil Quaife.

Pulling clear of the sister Jota car during the opening stages of the race, Hancock gave chase to the leaders but ultimately crossed the line in third.

In race two, Hancock held his fourth place off the line and again defended from Quaife through the early corners.

Managing to pull out an advantage over his team-mate, he set after third-placed Caine but couldn’t get close enough to make a move by the chequered flag.

Hancock said: “We didn’t quite have the same pace as the front guys this weekend and couldn’t find our optimum set-up.

“Nevertheless we scored another podium and succeeded in tying up third in the drivers’ standings and second in the teams’ championship.

“This has been a big year for all of us at Jota and I think that everyone can be immensely proud of all they have achieved.

“To take wins and pole positions in your debut season of a series as competitive as this is hugely satisfying and I would like to thank every member of the team, all of our cherished partners and all of our suppliers for their incredible support this season. Bring on 2009!”