Podium double for Hockley on a tough day at Brands Hatch

Sunday morning’s qualifying session was held in wet conditions and Hockley went in without testing having just picked up his car after its suspension was rebuilt and damage repaired from the previous round at Knockhill.

He said: “I set a few laps and got into a good pace, but after 15 minutes I could only manage fourth on the grid for the first race.”

With the track beginning to dry in time for the race, Hockley went out on slick tyres and moved up to third from the start and headed down Paddock Hill two abreast.

Having pressured the second-placed driver Brook Pitchford, Hockley dived down the inside on Paddock Hill on the next lap and set off to try and catch the leader while holding off the pack behind. But the pacesetter was too far out in front and Hockley had to settle for the runners-up spot.

Race two saw the Melton man make another good start and this time was determined not to back off into Paddock Hill bend. Challenging side-by-side for the lead, Hockley was edged out up the hill and tucked in behind to maintain the pressure.

Hockley pulled away from the chasing pack, but with his tyres gone and suffering massive understeer, he was eventually caught and passed by a rival Civic. He took the chequered flag in third place for a second podium of the day.

The next round is at Anglesey on August 11 and 12.