Liam ends Supercopa season on high note with podium hat-trick in Catalunya

TEENAGE motorsport sensation Liam McMillan finished his first full season of racing in Spain with a hat-trick of podiums - and the accolade of rookie of the year.

The 18-year-old picked up one third place and two second-place finishes at the Seat Leon Supercopa finale at the Circuit de Catalunya, near Barcelona, at the weekend.

"It was an unbelievable weekend and a fantastic result," said the Wisbech driver.

McMillan qualified second in wet conditions behind his Triple R team-mate - and eventual Supercopa champion - Tom Boardman for the first race, held on the Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit.

After a good start to a dry race one, however, he was hit from behind and as a result could not match the pace of the two cars ahead of him.

McMillan still managed to stave off defending Supercopa champion Oscar Nogués for three-quarters of the race, before Nogués slid off the track to leave him clear to take third place and his first podium finish in Spain.

Torrential rain saw the start of race two delayed, with the track so wet the race was started behind the Safety Car.

From fourth on the reverse grid, McMillan overcame slippery conditions and poor visibility to finish third. After the race though he was promoted to second after Miguel Freitas - who finished second - was handed a 30-second time penalty.

The track remained wet for the third race and, starting fourth again, McMillan survived a chaotic first corner to finish second.

McMillan said: "I don't mind racing in the rain and although the visibility was very poor I managed to finish both races in second place.

"I've really enjoyed racing in Spain this year. Everyone has made us feel very welcome and I'm really pleased to finish the season on such a high with three podium results.

"Triple R has done a great job running my race car this season, and I'd like to thank them for a very professional job.