MARK Wakefield declared himself happy despite results not reflecting his encouraging performance behind the wheel during the Volkswagen Racing Cup’s latest round at Oulton Park.

The Northwich driver took sixth spot in the afternoon’s first race at his home circuit, matching his previous best finish at Brands Hatch in June.

And he was in contention for a podium position in the second sprint before contact with a rival on the exit of Knickerbrook corner saw him drop down the order.

“I felt like I had the pace to stay there,” reflected the 20-year-old afterwards.

“That’s annoying, but we made progress with the car and that was important to us after the past couple of rounds.”

Wakefield set the 10th quickest time during a 20-minute qualifying session cut short by a red flag, although he had been on course to lower his previous best when officials stepped in following an accident elsewhere on the track.

A rapid start to the race saw him climb three places on the opening lap to seventh, and a spectacular off for Martin Depper’s VW Scirocco at Deer Leap promoted him further.

However damage done to the barrier by the impact of the latter’s car hitting it a high speed prompted the race to be ended early.

Mark Wakefield prepares for duty in his Team HARD Racing VW Golf during last weekend's Volkswagen Racing Cup round at Oulton Park - the Weaverham driver's home circuit

Wakefield started race two from pole position – the top six in the first race are reversed on the grid in the VW Racing Cup – in his Team HARD Racing-prepared VW Golf.

He dropped to third after the first corner before attempting to take second from Tom Witts’ VW Polo.

The duo could not hold station and Wakefield’s machine was sent into a spin by a tap from his opponent.

He re-joined, and crossed the line in 12th position to at least pick up some points.

Wakefield sits 17th in the standings, and the series resumes at Croft in North Yorkshire next month.