MARK Wakefield has set his sights on a podium place when the Volkswagen Racing Cup resumes in Norfolk this weekend.

And the Northwich driver admits his prospects of doing are improved if he can repeat an encouraging result in qualifying for the opening round at Oulton Park last month.

“That’s the key,” he told the Guardian.

“It’s an area I know I’ve had to get better at, and it helps so much in that first race if you’re further forward on the grid.

“If that’s on point, then I’m confident the car has the pace to challenge at the front.”

READ > Wakefield in positive mood after VW Racing Cup opener

The 21-year-old endured mixed fortune at his home circuit where a clutch fluid failure robbed him of fourth place in race one.

However he recovered from a lowly starting position in a disrupted second sprint to take fourth at the finish.

He set the fastest lap too, and heads to Snetterton occupying 11th in the standings.

A test at the circuit on Friday will reveal whether adjustments to his VW Golf, which is being prepared this season by Kingsley-based HSG Sport, have had the desired effect.

Wakefield added: “It was a rush getting everything ready [last month] and we ran out of time to make some of the changes that we had planned.

“We’ve tweaked a few things, and replaced older parts with new ones, and that should improve the car’s handling.”

A 20-minute qualifying session on Saturday is followed by two races of the same duration the following afternoon.

READ > VW Racing Cup second round preview

After failing to score in one sprint last time out, Wakefield is determined to make a long journey home with points from both outings.

He said: “I know from experience the most consistent driver wins championships, not necessarily the guy with most race wins.

“A decent points haul will do nicely.”

Want to catch Mark in action this weekend? Here’s what you need to know:

Timetable

Volkswagen Racing Cup

Saturday, May 18

Qualifying 1655-1715

Sunday, May 19

Race one (20 minutes) 1225

Race two (20 minutes) 1725

Admission (Sunday, on the gate)

Adults £25, Senior Citizens £19, Under 15s £15, Under 13s Free

Or you can watch the action live on the Volkswagen Racing Cup’s YouTube channel

here