Fabio Carbone has cemented third place in the World Series by Renault standings after a hard fought weekend in Spain that was stymied by a severe bout of food poisoning.

Carbone, a Masters F3 winner back in 2002, revived his career with a switch to the World Series by Renault this year driving for the burgeoning Ultimate Signature outfit following several seasons out of the limelight in Japan.

Despite a slow start as the team found its feet, a stunning run of form mid-season catapulted the Brazilian up the overall standings and put him in the fight for the runners-up spot.

Nonetheless, despite having three wins to his name, compared to Julien Jousse's one, a debilitating bout of food poisoning left him on the back foot all weekend, meaning he couldn't manage any better than a fifth and tenth place finish.

Even so, third place in the overall standings signals a superb return to form for Carbone, who ends the year clutching some very encouraging statistics: three wins, three podiums, four top six finishes and a pole position.

“I really didn't feel well so it was not an easy weekend for me,” he said. “From the start, it was really just a question of surviving and doing the best job that I could. I knew we had the chance to finish in the top three of the championship, so it was important to stay calm and not make any mistakes.

“It's been a very good year, so I'm pleased that we managed to finish it with a clean race, and on the final podium at the end of the season. I'd like to thank Ultimate Signature for doing a great job in what was only their first year.”

Carbone, meanwhile, is hoping to announce his 2009 plans shortly.