DEAN Stoneman moved up to third in the Renault World Series 3.5 championship with a business-like drive at Silverstone.

The Red Bull Junior secured fourth place and with it the ‘top rookie’ prize for the day on his home circuit.

Stoneman had a day to forget on Saturday after suffering a first lap puncture, but he started the second race from the third row in sixth.

The cancer survivor from Bishops Waltham wasted no time in making up places. By the time he had completed the first lap he had moved up to fourth with the steely driving that persuaded Red Bull to sign him at the beginning of the year.

Stoneman then was in hot pursuit of Brazil’s Pietro Fantin in third and was never more than a couple of seconds behind throughout the race.

But despite his best efforts he was unable to get into the top three.

His fourth place did however make him the top rookie for the race, the third time this year, and he now moves up to third in the F1 feeder series with 98 points.

The DAMs driver said: “It was important to try to bounce back after the puncture.

“I got a great start and I was confident a podium was on although I didn’t get close enough to really make the move.

“It’s nice to pick up points and move up to third in the championship.

“It’s my first year here and we have been securing points and podiums on a regular basis.”

Championship leader and fellow Brit Oliver Rowland (Fortec Motorsports), having finished the first race as runner-up, continued his record of winning at each round by securing his fifth victory of the year ahead of main rival Matthieu Vaxiviere (Lotus) and four seconds clear of Stoneman.

Stoneman’s result puts him third in the Renault World Series 3.5 Championship with six races remaining.

The Red Bull Junior driver is now focusing on the next round of the championship at the Nurburgring on Saturday.

Remaining races: Nurburgring, Germany (Sept 12/13), Le Mans, France (Sept 26/27), Circuito de Jerez, Spain (October 17/18).

Renault World Series 3.5 Championship standings: Oliver Rowland (GBR) 209, Matthieu Vaxiviere (FRA) 173, Dean Stoneman (GBR) 98, Jazeman Jaafar (MAL) 91, Nyck de Vries (NED) 83.