With less than six-tenths of a second covering the top 10 places on the grid, Charles secured a solid 5th position just 0.162 of a second behind pole. Rain just before the start of qualifying sent everyone out on wet tyres and many of the best times were set in the early laps.

With the cars running on a dry track for the first time all weekend, the opening race was all about tyre management over 21 laps of the notoriously abrasive Thruxton circuit. Race 1 delivered great battles all the way down the 25-car field as Charles was on the attack for fourth place whilst defending and holding his own position. “After three laps I had the front splitter stuck under the car so it was a tough race, but good fun,” said Bateman.

Race 2 was equally close with tough competition. After 21 laps of the high-speed Hampshire track, at an average speed of almost 110mph, each of the three categories was decided by less than three-quarters of a second.

Charles completed the weekend in his Henderson Insurance Broker / Pilgrim Foodservice sponsored car with 22 points and overall fifth in the championship.

Porsche Carrera Cup GB now turns its attention to Rockingham Motor Speedway in Northants for the weekend of 24th & 25th April. Live coverage of this race will be on ITV4.

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