Jack Hawksworth’s double podium finish at Pembrey in the 2010 Formula Renault UK Winter Series has marked him out as one of the favourites for British title glory in 2011.

Having impressed on debut at Snetterton the week before with pole position before claiming fourth spot, the Cullingworth ace vowed to be more aggressive on his second outing.

He did not disappoint – and a sublime double pole position in qualifying was an excellent start.

The former Parkside pupil claimed third spot in the first race. He said: “The track was drying throughout the day and by the first race, while the left-hand side where the even-numbered grid positions were was completely dry, unfortunately the right-hand side was still wet.

“That meant the drivers on the other side got away cleaner at the start and I was third into the first corner.

“I didn’t really have the pace to challenge the top two after that but I settled into a rhythm and established a decent gap back to fourth, so I always felt comfortable.

“It was my first podium in cars, which was definitely something I had never expected to do only second time out.”

A clout from behind at mid-distance in race two left him a frustrated tenth but he made up for that with pole position again on day two.

The wet grid once again worked against him as Richie Stanaway got past him early but Hawksworth held off Josh Hill to claim the runners-up spot.

“Jack has excelled,” said his team principal Mark Burdett.

“For a complete car racing novice, his results speak for themselves.

“His qualifying record proves his speed, he has achieved two podiums and at Pembrey he showed that he can overtake and compete with the best.”