Papworth racer Sam Tomlinson was determined to take positives from a frustrating third round of the Lotus Elise Trophy last weekend.

Disaster struck when Tomlinson was hit by engine trouble, which forced him to retire from the lead in the second of two races, at Silverstone.

Tomlinson went on the attack after starting in sixth position on the grid and looked on course to challenge for a first victory in this class when forced to return to the pits by his mechanical gremlins.

Tomlinson earlier finished fourth in the opening race of the weekend after being involved in a terrific battle for third spot with reigning series champion Alex Ball.

“Although it was extremely gutting for myself, the team and our sponsors to have to retire and miss out on a podium finish, we again showed we have a package capable of winning races,” said Tomlinson.

“The fact we’re already racing with and beating the three past champions in the field shows we are capable of getting plenty of strong results.”

Tomlinson currently sits seventh in the overall championship standings and is second in the rookies’ class.

The series returns to Silverstone for the next round on July 1.