MAX Cook propelled himself up to third place in the British Talent Cup after two stunning results in the latest round at Donington Park.

After a disappointing start to the campaign, young Swindon racer Cook was determined to get his championship back on track and he did exactly that with one win and one second-placed finish.

“Coming away from Donington, I feel really good as it’s been an awesome weekend,” he said.

“Firstly, I’m pleased with the results, which has taken me up to third in the championship, but getting the win and being on the top step again was the best feeling.

“Getting second in the first race was a solid result, but I was determined to win the last race.

“Now I’m looking forward to travelling to Italy this week and racing Mugello Circuit with Red Bull Rookies, where I want to improve more and get further up the field.”

Cook was immediately on the pace in the qualifying session, placing within the top five consistently. With his very last lap, he posted a time of 1min 41.0secs earning second on the grid.

Lining up in the middle of the front row for race one, he got a decent start and slotted into second.

The leading trio then broke away from the field and were constantly trading places. Cook led the pack for a few laps, but the battle was at the cost of lap time, which enabled the chasing pack to

catch up and the leading group of three became one of six.

With the battle for the lead intensifying, Cook maintained second until the flag despite being persistently attacked from the riders behind.

Starting from the same second-placed grid position as before, Cook started brilliantly in race two and took the lead within the first few corners.

The top three made a significant breakaway and Cook then began to trade places with Rory Skinner at regular intervals.

Towards the end of the race, Skinner managed to overtake for the lead, but Cook adjusted his plan and judged a last-lap pass of his own to take the chequered flag and his first win the British Talent Cup.

Cook currently sits third in the championship on 45 points, 12 behind the leader and six behind second place.