N.Technology claimed its first podium finish of the season today at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, Italy, for round 17 of the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC). The team finished third after starting from fifth position on the grid.

Despite an eventful start to the race, N.Technology's James Thompson drove the Honda Euro R Super 2000 through the field to claim a third place finish. It is the Brit's third points-scoring race of the 2008 WTCC season.

N.Technology will start from sixth on the grid for race two. With an impressive race pace on the Italian track, having set the fastest lap (1:55.388) during race one, the team will be aiming for a repeat performance.

James Thompson, car number 15"I'm overjoyed! The result is testament to the team, who have worked so hard and never given up. I really enjoyed the race and am very pleased with the pace of the car; I think we are one of the fastest cars on the track in race trim. When you consider how much we have progressed throughout the year to where we are now, I'm elated!"

Andrea Muller, Team manager"We were quicker than the other cars and James drove very well. It is a fast circuit and our set-up is very good. I'm very happy with this position and the team has worked hard and I want to thank them for this good result. Now we will concentrate on the second race and try again to be as competitive."

Eurosport's WTCC coverage continues today with Race Two shown live from 15:15 (CET), on Eurosport International and Asia Pacific.