Duncan Tappy came close to scoring points in the latest round of the World Series by Renault as he embarked on a surprise return to the championship.

The reigning Formula Renault UK Champion was called up as a last minute replacement for Paolo Nocera at RC Motorsport after the Italian hit financial woes.

Returning to the team he raced with for two rounds earlier this season, Tappy had a job on his hands re-adapting to the rigours of the 3.5-litre Renault machinery having most recently been driving in Superleague.

However, while he struggled somewhat in qualifying, his race pace was strong enough to see him finish the first race in 14th position from 23rd on the grid.

Even better, Tappy went on to finish 11th, just outside the points, in the second race when he just avoided being involved in a huge shunt concerning Fairuz Fauzy and Salvador Duran.

“I was really pleased with my race one start and the first corner. I only made two small mistakes in the whole race and unfortunately one was on the second corner when I'd hoped to overtake more cars. I was much happier with the car and was pleased to have improved so that I started higher up the grid for race two.

“My start in the second race wasn't as good but I still managed to gain places at turn one. The pit stop went well but Salvador [Duran] must have pitted before me and he was in front as I came out and managed to pull a gap. I got my head down and before I knew it I was on Duran and Fauzy and then the accident happened.

“It's been a good weekend. Finishing as second rookie twice is good and we've been consistent and made good progress.”