CREWE’S Rob Smith is hoping for a maiden podium finish as the MINI Challenge moves on to Brands Hatch for the second race of the series this weekend.

Driving for the MINI UK VIP Customer Team, Smith managed a best finish of fourth in the first meeting of the series at Donington, with straight-line speed hampering his bid for silverware.

However, after the car underwent several improvements, the 23-year-old is now confident he can break into the top three in Kent.

“Donington was pretty frustrating in the end, but we know we had the capability to be fighting for the podium if it hadn’t been for the problem,” he said.

“The team is confident they’ve got to the bottom of the issue, so we’re all looking forward to being able to attack at Brands Hatch – we went well there last year and I’m looking forward to running on the GP track again.”

After qualifying just a tenth of a second off the front row at Donington, Smith made a lightning start to rocket into the lead but he ended up finishing fourth after the race was red-flagged.

Another red-flag incident hampered the second race on day two, with straight-line speed a consistent problem for Smith as he finished ninth.

He arrives at Brands Hatch fifth in the standings and qualifying starts at 10.50am on Saturday.