Ayrton Simmons had a successful time at the Spa Francorchamps circuit in Belgium this weekend, securing a ‘lights to flag’ win and a second place, supplemented by two pole positions.

The Epping racer finished just a couple of seconds clear of championship leader Clement Novalek in the nine-lap race.

Simmons made a great start to hold the lead and he was almost 1.5 seconds in front after the first lap.

By lap three that lead had increased to 2.6 seconds and this increased further by lap five up to 3.3 seconds.

Although Novalek managed to close down the gap to 2.6 at the start of the final lap, Simmons comfortably held on and claimed his second win of the year by 1.812 seconds.

Simmons now has a coveted British F3 full house of wins, circuit record, pole positions and fastest lap.

After the race, Simmons said: "I am absolutely over the moon. Spa Francorchamps, with its F1 history, is regarded as one of the most difficult circuits in the world.

"The speeds are incredible. You enter Eur Rouge (corner) at 140 mph and reach 160 mph by the end of the Kemmel Straight.

"It was certainly not an easy weekend, with many set-up changes required to get the balance of speed and grip just right. I am so grateful and proud of the whole team."

Speaking to the British F3 website, Simmons added: “This sort of weekend has been coming for us. We’ve been quick all year and in the test days we’ve done.

"On my debut last year we were fourth here in my first time in the car, so I knew there was plenty of potential and I feel we’ve converted that this weekend, so I’m really happy with it.

"The progress from last year, having the data to work with, has been a huge step forward and shows how competitive the grid is this year.

Simmons' next event will be Rounds 16, 17 and 18 of the F3 calendar at Brands Hatch GP, Kent, on the weekend of August 3 and 4.