EUROPEAN car racing champion Robert Speak hopes to prolong his winning streak as he prepares for the world semi-finals this weekend.

Tyldesleyite Rob, eight-time winner of the Formula 2 world stock championship, has retained his title as Formula 1 European Champion for the second year running. He came forward from the back of the grid to beat all 30 cars in the Northampton race last weekend.

Now in his second season of Formula 1, Rob is focusing all his energy on this Sunday's semi-final, in which he needs to finish in the top 10 to qualify for the world final in September.

This could be his most important race of the season and would be his second attempt at the world title. After qualifying last year, his engine blew during the final and he was only able to complete six laps.

"I was gutted," he said. "I'm just hoping I can qualify this time and have another chance."

Rob, 29, works as a mechanic at Hart Street Garage in Tyldesley, and has always had a massive interest in cars. He has been racing since he was 12, when his dad, Billy, also a racer, encouraged him to have a go.

Rob has won numerous trophies over the years, with the European championship having been his proudest achievement so far.

"I go with the intention to win, but as long as I'm enjoying myself - that's the main thing," he said.