NEWPORT motorsport star Rory Collingbourne is looking to put his Silverstone disappointment behind him at Brands Hatch this weekend.

Collingbourne, who is in his rookie season, is looking to secure fifth place in the Renault Clio Cup in the final round of the championship on Saturday.

Collingbourne had to endure his toughest round of the season at Silverstone – the home of British motorsport – with finishes of 12th and 15th the result of what could have been a race-ending collision.

Reflecting on those races back at the end of September, the 17-year-old said: “We knew it was going to get heated out there.

“We’re at the tail end of the season and drivers want to boss the circuit.

“For me it was definitely a learning curve. I’ve been one of the championship’s most consistent performers and that makes you a target. I guess in some ways that’s a compliment.

“The car took a lot of damage but the team did well keeping it on the track.

“It meant I was battling from the back of the grid so I’m pleased I was able to push my way back-up the field like I did.”

Collingbourne is only focusing on the future now, knowing that the right performance at Brands Hatch could move him from seventh to fifth in the final championship standings.

The Newport Auctions-sponsored driver said: “We did some testing there earlier in the week and I’m feeling confident.

“I’m hungry for success and there’s a great opportunity to finish fifth in the championship so I want to take it.

“That means delivering a quality performance so I’m just itching to get out there now and drive the car like I know I can.”

The race will be screened live on ITV4 on Saturday.