DEAN Stoneman is seventh in the GP3 Championship ahead of next month’s races at Silverstone.

The Southampton driver produced an impressive top-ten finish in the fourth round at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria at the weekend - despite starting on the grid’s penultimate row in 23rd.

Stoneman was penalised for having all four wheels off the circuit at one of the corners during round three, which saw him reach third place before a collision forced him out of the race.

But the next day he tore through the field. As he began lap two he was already up to 12th but had to settle for tenth at the end of the 18-lap race.

He said: “The start was great and I was able to gain a few places in the first lap, but this took its toll on my tyres which began to fade and be less effective as the race drew to a close. Tenth is still pretty good considering where I started, although I really thought I could get even higher.” Stoneman was also grateful to the Marussia Manor team. “After the collision yesterday my car was destroyed at the front. The team did a great job in getting it ready for today. The car was great and I want to thank them for working so late into the night to get it fixed.”

The 23 year-old Stoneman will now turn his attentions to rounds five and six of the GP3 Series, which moves on to his home circuit of Silverstone July 5/6.