'Fast Freddie', 15 year old Freddie Martin-Dye, overcame tyre problems to finish a superb second in the Italian Open Championships at La Conca, near Lecce in Italy, the race being broadcast live on Italian TV.

In blistering temperatures, Freddie stormed through from Grid 10 in the first Heat to 2nd place on the last lap, when he was hit from behind, puncturing his rear left tyre. He struggled round the last lap to finish 5th. This meant having to use his new rear tyre in heat two, which he came through to win from grid 5.

This put Freddie on grid 3 for the Final, but he knew he had a disadvantage over the opposition, who would all use their available new tyres.

For the first 5 or 6 laps, Freddie and Netherlands driver Henke Waldschmidt traded the lead on every lap, but Freddie then had to give in to the inevitable, as Waldschmidt's fresh rubber gave him the advantage.

"After the problems and disappointment of the last couple of races, it's good to be back at the front", said a satisfied Freddie.

Click here for the Freddie Martin-Dye web site - designed and built by Racecar