James recorded a seventh podium finish and smashed the lap record around the 2.99 mile Snetterton Circuit with his fourth pole position of 2018 as the Renault UK Clio Cup returned to action in Norfolk last weekend [28-29 July] after the summer break.

Imperious form during Friday testing set the tone for the weekend as BRDC Rising Star Dorlin clocked a fourth pole position of the campaign with a new lap record of 2:05.896.

The net result of overnight rain in Norfolk was a greasy, wet track surface as the Vantage Motor Group and GardX Protection-backed racer prepared for a crucial double-header in the title race, with both contests screened nationwide through ITV Sport's free-to-air television coverage as well as being played out in front of a capacity trackside audience.

The difficult conditions made for a thrilling battle between Dorlin and privateer Daniel Rowbottom for the lead of the opening race, until an error under braking at Wilson put Dorlin on the wet grass and down the order.

Undeterred, he fought back to register eighth at the chequered flag, and in still managed to gain points on his chief title rivals in a case of damage limitation.

Dorlin's pace was again highlighted as he relieved Coates off the race lead into Riches at the start of the second contest, but after a fightback from the Pyro racer into Nelson's at half-distance the Westbourne Motorsport racer instead opted to bank valuable points in the championship, and settle for an seventh podium of the season.

The championship heads next to Rockingham Motor Speedway - another of Dorlin's favourite circuits and scene of several triumphs in junior categories - over the weekend of August 11-12.

James Dorlin said, "Overall, it hasn't been a bad weekend. We've closed on the top two in the championship, which is what we needed to do, and we've come away with another strong podium.

"Despite this, I feel we should have been celebrating a victory in race one, but everyone makes the smallest of mistakes from time to time, and that one punished me greatly. It's only made me more determined to put in a good showing for the final six rounds.

"Thanks as always to Westbourne Motorsport for preparing a fantastic car for me, and to all my sponsors for making it all possible. There's a long way left to go in this title fight, and we're still right in the thick of it!"