Silverstone stormer as Calado claims double

On a brand new circuit layout, used for the first time ahead of the British Grand Prix in July, Calado claimed pole for the first and third races of the weekend.

He made the most of his track position immediately in race one, holding off the challenge of second-placed Oli Webb from Cheshire by a second.

With the top eight finishers being reversed to start race two, it was always going to be tricky for Calado and torrential rain did not help.

He made a good start, moving up to fifth place, until the wet conditions caught him out.

Calado said: “I was very fast until I spun on the exit of Becketts corner.

“It was purely a mistake by me, which I was gutted about.

“I kept my cool and tried really hard to concentrate, gain as many positions as possible and ended up ninth to score some good points.”

Race three was similar to race one with another lights-to-flag victory for Calado, who is third in the overall standings.

He added: “I made a good start and thought I could pace myself enough to be able to keep a good enough lead so that Oli didn’t overtake but, unfortunately for me, the safety car came out which was a bit of a disaster.

“When the safety car came in I knew that Oli was faster, especially in a straight line, and we had a good battle for two or three laps.

“That was quite enjoyable and entertaining but I managed to keep the lead and just pulled away at the end so he couldn’t overtake and get in my slip stream.

“It was a fantastic race — I’m really pleased.”

The former F1 circuit of Magny Cours in France hosts the next round of the championship on May 22 and 23.

F3 points after six rounds: Jean-Eric Vergne 76 points, Webb 64, Calado 51, Adriano Buzaid 49, Daizuke Nakajima 40, Rupert Svendsen-Cook 34, Gabriele Dias 32, Carlos Huertas 31, Jazeman Jaafar 26, Felipe Nasr 15.