Worcestershire’s Rob Wheldon has won the prestigious European Le Mans Series title – at his first ever attempt.

Wheldon, who turned 39 on Saturday, earned himself the best possible birthday present by securing the title in Portugal last weekend.

The former Radical sportscar racer from Evesham, contested the five-race ELMS in the LMP3 category – his maiden full season in the powerful sports-prototypes having won the final round of the Michelin Le Mans Cup at the same venue last year.

Sharing a United Autosports entered Ligier-Nissan with fellow British co-drivers Wayne Boyd and Tom Gamble in the four-hour multi-class races.

Wheldon drove a stunning race at Portimão, winning in style for the third time this year after starting from pole-position for the fourth time.

The trio finished 21-points ahead of second place, scoring a total of 94 points after three wins (France, Belgium, Portugal) and a third place (Italy).

Wheldon reflected on winning the title and was humble in victory.

“I really enjoyed the race," he said.

"The team had just put together such a fantastic car for us all year long, I can’t fault that.

"I drove to the best of my ability which was thankfully enough, it was an absolutely mega job from the boys, fantastic.”