James Walker says there is 'still plenty to play for' following a promising, but ultimately unfulfilling, debut weekend for the P1 Motorsport team during the opening round of the World Series by Renault.

The British driver is one of the favourites for this year's title, a status he hinted at throughout free practice and qualifying when he managed to secure a career best second on the grid.

Lining up seventh for the first race by virtue of the reverse grid system, the lack of options to overtake around the Circuit de Catalunya meant that Walker instead favoured a solid finish, the Jerseyman crossing the line in sixth position.

Starting in his rightful place for race two, Walker was beaten down to the opening bend by team-mate Daniil Move, who proceeded to hold him up while leader Charles Pic established a lead.

Desperate to get past, Walker attempted a move on the Russian, but the pair made contact and Walker damaged his steering, forcing him into retirement.

“I had to get past Daniil as he was slowing me up and I had another car right behind me. I made the move at the end of the back straight but we made contact; my front corner versus Daniil's sidepod. With bent steering I had no choice but to retire.

“It's always a difficult position to be in but this is a sprint race so you have to get stuck in and try to get past. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but it really doesn't help you when you are out there watching the leader pull away!

“It's not the end of the world. My main rivals also had a tough weekend and the car is feeling great so we have everything to play for.”