Keohane takes podium finish in Castle Combe

Michael Keohane was back on the podium in the Avon Tyres British Formula 3 Championship when he took a fine second place at the second race at Castle Combe today.

The Clonakilty driver started from seventh and made his way through the pack through the opening few rounds.

With James Courtney penalised for a rolling start, Alan Van der Merwe took up the pace.

However, a hard charging Keohane was beginning to reel in his Dutch teammate.

That was after the Clonakilty ace overtook rival, Bruce Jouanny. Earlier, Robbie Kerr spun out and Keohane had to swerve to avoid any contact.

As the race entered its closing stages, Keohane was close to Van Der Merwe, however with little room for an overtaking manoeuvre, both adopted a sensible approach and the Dutch driver secured his first win of the season, Keohane was second.

Keohane retains his third place in the series - five points behind Bruce Jouanny. Next week, the drivers head to Brands Hatch for another double-header.

Meanwhile, the Scholarship Class honours went to Portadown’s, Adam Carroll.

1. A. Van Der Merwe (Carlin Motorsport) 20m. 23.122s;

2. M. Keohane (Carlin Motorsport) 20m. 23.527s;

3. B. Jouanny (Promatecme) 20m. 30.091s;

4. M. Taylor (Manor) 20m. 30.508s;

5. R. Antinucci (Manor) 20m. 31.327s;

6. A. Carroll (Sweeney racing) 20m. 33.844s.

Championship standings:

1. J. Courtney 173 points;

2. B. Jouanny 126 points;

3. M. Keohane 121 points;

4. R. Kerr 110 points;

5. M. Taylor 102 points.

In Mondello. Kildare’s John O’Hara took his first victory in the Formula Ireland Championship when he took the chequered flag ahead of Cork’s Robbie Coleman, who endured a gearbox problem.

Kieran O’Connor was third, Cork’s Peter Walsh retired on the first corner of the opening lap.