ADAM Morgan gave notice to his British Touring Car rivals that he’s going to be force to be reckoned with this season, after a strong showing at Donington Park.

The WIX-Mercedes driver picked up his first podium of the year with a hard-earned third place in race two.

MORE TOP STORIES:

That was backed up with point scoring finishes of ninth and 12th in the other two races The results leave Morgan, who lives in Whalley, well-placed for a title challenge, lying joint seventh in the drivers standings just 22 points off early leader Matt Neal.

“I’m over the moon to get third, it was hard race, with some robust challenges,” said a delighted Morgan afterwards.

“I seemed to get smashed around by everyone throughout the race, but managed to stay on track. The car was running very hot, which meant we were losing power and top end speed on the straights, although we managed to make up the difference in the corners.”

Morgan started race one on the compulsory soft compound Dunlop tyre, which has to be used in one of the day’s three races.

After a good start he held his position after setting the third fastest lap of the race, but his tyres went ‘off’ quickly as he ended ninth.

Race three saw Morgan starting with 57kg of success ballast on the car and the top 10 reverse grid placed him on the third row.

Despite finishing 12th Morgan was upbeat about the whole weekend and he paid tribute to his Blackburn-based team, and to their friend and team-chef, Steve Rossi who passed away two weeks ago.

The distinctive yellow-and-black machine carried a memorial to Rossi on the bonnet.

“It was great result for the team, who put so much effort into getting me there and we did it for Steve,” added Morgan.

The championship now heads to Thruxton on May 9/10.