ENSTONE-BASED Lotus had both cars finish in the top eight for the first time in just under 24 months in Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix.

Romain Grosjean and Pastor Maldonado came seventh and eighth respectively at Suzuka – the last time two Lotus drivers finished in the top eight places was at the Indian GP in October 2013.

Maldonado, who started from 11th, was delighted with the result.

He said: “It was a good race for us and we really deserved a happy result after pushing hard all weekend.”

JORDAN Albert wrapped up sixth position in the Duo BRDC Formula 4 Championship in the final round at Brands Hatch.

Albert, who drives for Chipping Norton-based SWR, finished fifth, fourth and seventh in the three races.

Teammate Zubair Hoque came 16th, 15th and 13th.

SEAN Walkinshaw is targeting silverware on his first visit to Misano this weekend in the penultimate round of the Blancpain Sprint Series.

After he and co-driver Craig Dolby had their podium hopes hampered by safety car periods in the Endurance Series at the Nuburgring, Walkinshaw, from Chipping Norton, is eyeing a rostrum.

He said: “The aim is for more of the same at Misano. 

“The team is doing an incredible job – I’m sure we’ll be competitive.”