The actual Spa circuit, with the iconic Eau Rouge / Raidillon section and then the descent down through Blanchimont, is one of the most exciting sequences of corners in motorsport. The weather also nearly always has a part to play, at some point over a race weekend. Then there is the actual racing. It always delivers great racing, and I will never get tired of being there. But, as high as the highs are – and driving our new Vantage GT3 is definitely up there with the highest – having to retire from a nailed-on British GT podium, and our best result of the year, is a tough one.

Giacomo put in his best qualifying result of the season, and had we not an issue on my final run, we were on for a potential challenge for pole position. Genuine pace was there throughout the race as well, and the Blackthorn AMR crew did a great job. We kept our nose clean, and stayed out of the chaos that was happening elsewhere. Another strong opening stint by Giacomo had us as part of the leading pair until the stops, and our pace put me in a strong position to bring the car home. We had a comfortable margin to P3, the car felt great, and we were on for our best result of the year. A result of hard work and real commitment by the whole crew.

However, despite the end result, it was a hugely positive weekend overall. It was great to be back with the British GT calendar after a year away, and the new resurfacing and layout is great to drive. As a team, we have been building a strong foundation, and becoming more and more of a competitive force, as has been seen over the recent races, as we’ve chipped away and climbed the order.

We will be back, and this knock will only make us stronger as a unit. When that podium comes – and it really feels like it is a ‘when’, rather than an ‘if – it will be one of the proudest ones.

British GT Championship 2024 –

Team: Blackthorn AMR
Car number: #87
Race 5: Retired

GT3 drivers’ championship: 16 points; P10

Pro-Am drivers’ championship: 31.5 points; P9