After years of obscurity in lower divisions, Sten Pentus can now call himself a podium winner at World Series by Renault level after a superb drive to second in the wet at Barcelona.

Graduating from the Formula Renault UK Championship, where he finished 18th in the overall standings last year, Pentus qualified his Mofaz Fortec Motorsport machine 19th position on the grid, finishing 18th in the opening race.

However, his crowning moment would come in race two having been told by the team to stay out on track in the hope of a late rain shower. Fortec's strategic decision paid off and Pentus made his one and only stop just as it began to rain.

Emerging from the pit lane in third position, Pentus briefly led the race when Adrian Zaugg and Marcos Martinez slid off in front. However, a similar error by Pentus would allow Martinez back through, a move that would prove decisive as the red flags would soon follow to end the race.

Nonetheless, Pentus was thrilled with an 'incredible' second place finish on his debut.

“I'm very happy! “The race really started badly. The sky got more and more menacing and we decided to stay out on track as long as possible. On the wet, I didn't think about anything, I just concentrated hard to avoid making a mistake. It's an incredible result.”