CLACTON’S Jesse Chamberlain enjoyed a timely confidence-boost thanks to a successful weekend in the Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5 Challenge.

Racing for Xentek Motorsport, he competed at Silverstone - the home of the British Grand Prix - on Saturday and Sunday.

He got off to a challenging start during the test and qualifying sessions, because of the wet weather.

However, he made rapid progress in race one and climbed 15 places from 28th to 13th.

Then, in the second, despite technical problems, he shot from 26th to 17th.

“It was a really strong weekend, considering I had a very bad test session on Friday,” said Chamberlain.

“They were the worst conditions I’ve faced and I haven’t driven the car in such wet weather before.

“Qualification was the same so it was a tough start.

“However, I improved massively in the first race and had much more confidence, after a great set-up from the team at Xentek Motorsport.

“I had a lot of fun and it was the best I’d felt in the car.

“On Sunday, I was in the mix again but had a challenging moment trying to nurse a steering rack problem.

“I still made up ground, though, hunted down packs and, thanks to some great overtaking, finished 17th - not bad as I came from 26th.

“It was a real confidence-boost and I feel good, with the backing I have behind me from my team, sponsors and family.”

Chamberlain is sponsored by Dalu Limited, Sheens and Partners estate agents, Instant Image and Pearson Mortgages.

“I really need sponsors to improve and keep competing at this high level,” he added.