Light rain prior to the start ensured a slippery circuit greeted the drivers for the start of the two hour race. That did not stop Charles Bateman's Ferrari 458 Italia making it from 6th to 2nd place by lap four. A gruelling battle ensued with an Audi R8 LMS and saw the pair swapping places right up until the pit lane opened on lap 22 for driver changes.

In the meantime a long safety car stint started on lap 9 with the race eventually resuming on the 19th lap.

Charles being the stronger of the pairing in the Scuderia Vittoria Ferrari stayed out until lap 30. The team had an extra 20 seconds added to their pit stop due to their previous race win. Charles' team mate Michael Lyons rejoined the pack in 6th and worked his way through to third.

The fight for third came to an end on the 43rd lap when the Audi in 4th managed to get alongside the Scuderia Vittoria Ferrari on the infield only for side-by-side contact between the pair to cause damage to the suspension that would see the Oulton Park winners forced into retirement.

Charles' commented " The race was shaping up well for a podium finish for us. It was a very disappointing end after all the hard work in the race and by the team. Next race we hope to take back some Championship places for our sponsors Hendersons Insurance, Pilgrim Foodservice & Lyons Heavy Haulage."

TV coverage of the race from Snetterton will be on Channel 4 at 7am on 28/5/11. The next round is at Kent circuit, Brands Hatch, on Sunday 19th June.

Racecar  are currently building a new site for Charles which will be available shortly