Stilp and Phillips up to third after podium

The pair, making their GT debut this season, raced through a dramatic opening round to take a fine third place to stand on the podium for the second time in four rounds in their TeamHard prepared Ginetta G55.

Phillips raced the opening stint and climbed to second in the running, but was cruelly hit from behind, though the car survived with light damage.

Stilp raced a fine second stint in the car to finish within seven tenths of a second of the winner, but crossed the line third after falling back during their pit stop.

The second race at Oulton Park saw the pair start 13th on the grid, but a battling drive from Phillips saw the team finish fifth, bringing home vital championship points.

“I made a fantastic start and just went straight down the middle!” said Phillips afterwards.

“We have struggled in qualifying so far this year, but we always have the race pace.

“It’s great to back on the podium after our problems at Rockingham, but Silverstone’s next and we will defiantly be all out for the win for all our local supporters, hope to see you all there on June 11.”

Stilp added: “It has been a mixed weekend.

“I am very happy with a podium this weekend, but we really aimed for that top step.

“Silverstone is up next our local track and as I am a new Silverstone BRDC Rising Star, I had better be on top form, so lets see what we can do.”