Jordan Albert spoke of his delight after the British teenager secured his maiden BRDC Formula 4 Championship podium with a superb display at Donington Park.

Albert, 17, from the Chipping Norton-based SWR Caterham F1 driver development programme team, posted ninth and 11th in the weekend’s opening two races.

But he was in sensational form during Sunday afternoon’s final encounter – taking a terrific third place, as he finished only 1.6 seconds shy of the race winner Arjun Maini, and moved into the championship top-ten.

Starting ninth on the grid, Albert initially dropped back to ninth, but he charged through the field into the top-six by the third lap.

After easing into fourth on lap seven, he passed Charlie Eastwood for third at Redgate before pulling clear and closing to within 0.8 seconds of second place at the flag.

“It’s an awesome result for us,” said Albert.

“My first podium, and the guys have done a really good job this weekend getting the car together with a really good set-up for the last race.”

Team owner Sean Walkinshaw added: “Jordan produced an outstanding drive.

“He deserves his first podium, it was a great performance.

“If he can end the year in the championship top-ten, that’ll be fantastic.”

Teammate Diego Borrelli was 13th, ending rounds 19 and 21 just outside the top 12.

The final three rounds of the championships will take place at Snetterton on October 25-26.

Latest standings 10 J Albert 212pts, 16: D Borrelli 114, 18: N Beer 87, 23 A Palou 48.