Rawdon racing driver Sam Tordoff picked up three points finishes, including a third-place podium spot, in his British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) debut at Brands Hatch.

The 23-year-old contributed 40 points to the MG KX Momentum Racing Team, who currently lead the standings with 90 points after the first three races.

Tordoff said: “It is a dream start to my BTCC career. The preparation, testing and the car went almost perfectly.

“I can’t wait for the next meeting at Donington Park (April 21) and hopefully as a team we can continue the best possible start to the season."

Tordoff still works at his family’s JCT600 car retailer business and is following in the footsteps of his rally driving grandfather Jack Tordoff, who competed professionally in the 1960s and 1970s.

Sam said: “Balancing the day job with a lot of physical training, testing and race preparation isn’t always easy, but I am determined to work hard to keep up the early progress we have made and take advantage of an amazing opportunity to further my driving career.”

MG KX Momentum Racing Team principal Ian Harrison was delighted with Tordoff and team-mate Jason Plato’s start to the campaign.

Harrison said: “It has been a very good start and it is particularly pleasing to have two front-running cars.

“I couldn’t have asked any more from Sam Tordoff. He was just completely in control and looks like an old pro when he was doing some of these moves on the track.

“Jason’s first two races were fantastic. We have worked hard and to bring home these results straight away is a validation of the hard work.”