YOUNG Swindon racer Max Cook capped off a busy month with a trip to Spain to compete in the first round of the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup.

Cook arrived at Jerez full of excitement at the prospect of racing at a MotoGP weekend, confident he could take the next step up required to compete at the Rookies Cup level.

And that proved to be the case as the teenager delivered a pair of points-scoring finishes in the two races.

Cook said: “This weekend has probably been one of the best racing weekends I’ve ever had.

“To be part of the Rookies Cup, at Jerez on a MotoGP weekend is a dream come true. I’m really pleased to finish both races, get in the points and I feel I’ve made a big step forward understanding the bike.

“After this weekend and experiencing the Rookies Cup properly, I feel even more motivated to keep improving and I really can’t wait for Mugello in a few weeks’ time.

“I’d like to say thanks to everyone at Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup for an amazing opportunity and also all my sponsors and supporters as I couldn’t do this without your help.”

Cook hit his stride early on and finished the first free practice session in fifth, matching his personal best time around Jerez of 1min 50.9secs.

After providing feedback to his technicians and mechanics, the bike set-up was improved and in the second session, Cook matched his best time once more.

The weather began to hamper conditions once qualifying began, although Cook was able to better his own track best with a 1:50.5 clocking for 17th on the grid.

Cook got off to a good start in the first race and immediately made up seven places. As the race unfolded, the field separated into three groups and Cook was in the thick of the action in the second group.

He fought hard throughout as the places changed constantly and looked set for a top-10 finish until the final lap, when he was tagged by another rider, sending him wide and putting him back to 16th.

Cook managed to recover well and take three places back before crossing the line in 13th.

For race two, Cook again made a brilliant start and was up to 11th from his grid position of 17th within a few laps.

After lap six, he had made his way to 10th and looked good to continue his progression, only to feel something go on his front suspension as he attempted another overtake.

Cook managed to keep the bike upright but convinced something was broke, he gradually dropped back to 23rd as he assessed the situation.

Although lap times were well below his best, Cook was eventually able to recover to 20th at the flag for a second points finish of the weekend.