Richard Tarling has claimed fifth place in the inaugural European Formula Palmer Audi motor racing championship.

The 1999 Formula Palmer Audi champion, from Henley, collected eighth and tenth positions in rounds 19 and 20 respectively of the prestigious single-seater series formed by ex-Grand Prix driver Jonathan Plamer.

The Oxfordshire driver, aged 21, brought the curtain down on a successful season at Magny Cours having set out six months earlier on the 20-race trail which visited leading circuits throughout Britain and also at events in Belgium plus Germany as well as the recent French races.

Tarling finished on 218 points compared with the 299 points score of winner Damien Faulkner, of Ireland.

Richard scored nine top-six finishes en route to his creditable performance in the championship including two runner-up best place finishes at Brands Hatch and Oulton Park.