AFTER several podium finishes in this season's FIA European Touring Car Championships, Matt Neal finally came up trumps at Estoril last weekend.

The "People's Cham-pion", driving the Team Dynamics Nissan Primera, won a tense battle with long-time rival James Thompson after taking third place on the grid.

The four-times Indep-endent BTCC champion had to endure some "white knuckle driving" as he fought off the challenge of Thompson and Fabrice Wolfisch after taking the lead after seven laps.

"We have worked hard all season for this and to bag the final round is tops," a triumphant Neal declared.

And, as for the future, Neal was keeping his cards close to his chest.

"We have really dedicated sponsors who are assisting us with two opportunities but I can't say anymore than that at the moment.

"But, I can assure all the dedicated fans both at home and abroad that we will be back with a vengeance."