James Walker has admitted that he is content to accept a podium finish from the World Series by Renault round in Monaco, even though he harboured hopes of winning the prestigious blue riband event.

The P1 Motorsport driver started from the outside of row one after topping the slower of the previous day's two qualifying groups, but was beaten off the line, not only by poleman Oliver Turvey, but also - just - by third-placed Adrian Zaugg after finding less grip on his side of the grid.

Despite chasing both frontrunners hard for the entire race, the usual problem of passing meant that the Jerseyman was waiting for either or both to make a mistake if he was to progress and, when neither Turvey or Zaugg put a wheel wrong, he realised that third was the best he could do.

That result, the reward for also driving a near-perfect race around the unforgiving streets, was emphasised by championship leader, Marcos Martinez, failing to finish, allowing Walker to close to within nine points of the series lead, in third place overall.

“I am absolutely delighted to have finished on the podium at Monaco,” he said, “When you are chasing a championship, every point counts so, if you can't get the win, a podium is a good substitute.

"After winning at Spa and then getting a good result here, we're getting used to success and that's a great feeling. I felt proud to be from Jersey today as I have had great support from the island for this race, with Jersey people here to witness the result."

The annual trip to Monaco also gave Walker the opportunity to continue planning his future career - something that will definitely rely on a good season on track in 2009.

"We've also had some good F1 meetings, and my target remains to be Jersey's first F1 driver,” he noted.