A flat tyre denied Josh White his chance of a podium finish at last weekend’s Rotax Grand Finals,in Portugal.

Having been given a last-minute entry to the prestigious annual event, White seized his chance.

After the qualifying sessions he was fifth overall out of 72 drivers.

He was second in his first two heats and won the third.

In the pre-final White was hit from behind at the first bend and lost places. He battled hard though and finished 11th.

The Grand Final proved eventful for White, too.

He said: “I made a really good start and was up to sixth just after the first corner.

“I was turning into the second bend when someone caught my rear wheel and ripped the tyre valve out.

“I felt the puncture straight away, it was instant. Of course, I was disappointed it had happened but carried on.

“It was getting worse and worse as the race went on and if it hadn’’t have happened, I could have been challenging for the win.

“I crossed the finishing line in 26th place.”