Ayrton Simmons’ lead at the top of the British F4 Championship was cut to 13 points, after the Epping driver endured a mixed weekend at Donnington Park.

The Epping racer got off to the worst possible start, as he qualified in 10th place after a rain-hit session which saw him struggle to get heat into his tyres, but he recovered in race one to finish in sixth place.

However, the 16-year-old was to enjoy better fortunes in race two, as he was to earn a podium finish.

Having started in sixth place on the grid, Simmons enjoyed a fantastic start and by lap six, he had moved up to second place after a brilliant manoeuvre down the inside of Hampus Ericsson.

But after leader Dennis Hauger was handed a five-second penalty, Simmons looked primed to take his third victory of the season, only to be over-taken by Kiern Jewiss with four laps remaining, meaning he had to settle for second place.

After a positive response in race two, the final round of the weekend got off to a tough start for Simmons as he was involved in a four car collision at the Craner Curves.

Having taken to the grass, the Epping racer re-joined in 11th place and a blistering final three laps saw him work his way up to sixth to secure some important championship points.

But after a difficult weekend, things were to get even worse for Simmons after the chequered flag, as he was handed a 10-place grid penalty for contact which will be served at the next race.

Simmons returns to action in a couple of weeks, when round three of the British F4 Championship takes place at Thruxton on the 19th and 20th May.