Kart ace Jonny Edgar has made a sizzling car racing debut in the Spanish Formula 4 Championships.

Just a couple of months after his 15th birthday, Edgar, of Asby, near Frizington, proved he was no slouch behind the wheel.

Despite its title, this event actually took place on the Paul Ricard F1 circuit in France.

Jonny shocked some of the seasoned campaigners on Saturday morning by topping one of the timed qualifying lists and taking second place in the other.

In both of the races later that day he finished a fighting second behind Argentina’s Giorgio Carrara. At the age of 18, Giorgio is in his third season of European F4 racing.

His vast experience was the determining factor, especially in race two when he overtook Jonny with just over a lap remaining.

On Sunday morning, Jonny, who goes to Cockermouth School, was extremely quick and topped the timed qualifying sheets for yet another pole position. However, Carrara made a better start and Jonny soon found himself back in third place, close behind Spanish star Killian Meyer.

There was nothing to choose between these three throughout the race. Jonny made a determined bid on the final lap but he was forced to give way after clashing wheels with Meyer.

Jonny was the sole UK representative at this event, alongside 17 other drivers from Argentina, Belgium, Holland, Italy, Libya, Oman, Russia, Spain and Switzerland. The competition was pretty fierce, but Jonny will face an even stiffer challenge this weekend when he competes in the Italian Championships at Vallelunga where 35 are expected to start.

Jonny is a member of the Red Bull Junior Team responsible for nurturing many notable F1 stars, including Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo, Daniil Kyvat and Pierre Gasly.

It is headed by Dr Helmut Marko who has already mapped out a programme for Jonny to follow. It was his preference that he should compete in European F4 events over the British Series. Rather than relying on normally aspirated Ford Cosworth motors, European F4 uses turbo-charged Fiat Abarth engines that are quicker.

“If it wasn’t for Red Bull’s sponsorship, we wouldn’t be able to race at this level,” said Jonny’s dad, Justin. “Dr Marko wanted Jonny to compete in Europe because he believed it to be a more accurate test of his abilities.

“We’re all very happy with his performance. Two second places and a third in your car racing debut have to be good. Hopefully, he can continue this form in the Italian Championships.”