After a month’s break, Cumbrian Tech 1 Racing team driver Frank Bird contested round seven of the 2018 Formula Renault Eurocup Championship but couldn’t get among the points.

In Friday’s practice, the 18-year-old, originally from Penrith, acquitted himself well to end up inside the top eight of both sessions before he claimed 12th in the first qualifying session.

From there in race one, he was soon among the leading bunch but maintained his placing at the chequered flag, just two places outside the points-scoring top ten.

For second qualifying, the weather turned wet and a difficult session saw Bird down in 20th place on the grid.

Despite his handicap and the wet conditions in race two, which was televised live on BT Sport in the UK, Bird made a good start and battled his way up towards the points.

But just as he was about to make inroads, he had to take evasive action to avoid a spinning car in the monsoon conditions but bounced back to claim 13th spot at the chequered flag.

“It was a frustrating weekend overall, really,” Bird admitted.

“Our pace was really strong on Friday with being inside the top eight in both practice sessions and Q1 went OK but not as we wanted, ending up P12 overall.

“In race one, I made a good start and gained a place but was involved in a big battle the whole race. It was very difficult to overtake at this circuit, but I finished in P12.

“Q2 was wet and didn’t go very well, my run was a bit scrappy and I didn’t put it all together, so finished P20.

“Race two was wet, and I knew it would be difficult with all the spray, but the car was great, and I made a good start getting up to P17 on the first lap then just chipped away.

“I had some good and close battles but had to take evasive action to avoid a spinning car and ended up finishing in P13.

“All in all, a bit of an annoying weekend. I knew I had the pace but just didn’t put it all together.

"[Now it’s] on to the next one in Nürburgring in two weeks’ time. Thanks to the team, our sponsors and my dad Paul.”