MARK Wakefield has said missing out on a first podium finish in the VW Racing Cup will only make him more determined to celebrate one at Snetterton later this month.

The Weaverham driver was on course for a top-three result during the second race at Rockingham last weekend before contact with Dennis Strandberg - trying to overtake from behind - left his Team HARD Racing Golf with a puncture.

The Swede was disqualified afterwards for his part in an incident on the opening lap.

“It doesn’t make me feel much better!” said Wakefield, who took some consolation from setting the fastest lap during the first part of a race that had to be restarted after Simon Walton's Audi TT dropped oil onto the circuit.

“What I can take from it is we’ve proven we’re quick enough to mix it with the guys at the front, and that gives me plenty of confidence moving forward.”

Wakefield had classified sixth in the opening race, receiving afterwards the Hankook Trophy for highest-placed rookie, after setting the 11th best time during qualifying.

That earned for him pole position – in the VW Racing Cup the order of the first six finishers in race one is reversed for the second sprint – later the same day.

He added: “The second race was a lot of fun – there was some rubbing while we were racing – but to be taken out like that is just so disappointing.

“We were looking good to get that top-three place, and that makes me feel positive.

“I’ve had more time in the car, and some of that was in wet conditions during qualifying.”

Toby Davis (Team HARD Racing Golf) and Martin Depper (DW Racing Scirocco) shared the wins.

Chris Panayiotou (Maximum Motorsport Scirocco) tops the drivers' standings after four races, with Wakefield 15th.

The series resumes in Norfolk for round three on May 26-27.