Tom Sharp produced a giant-killing performance on his return to Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup action as he secured a superb top ten finish at Silverstone this past weekend, a result which saw him cross the line as the first of the guest Carrera Cup GB drivers taking part.

Competing a few hours before the F1 British Grand Prix, an expected crowd of over 120,000 fans watched on as Sharp scythed his way through the order in tricky wet conditions to run as high as fourth against a field featuring the best Carrera Cup drivers in the world.

On his Supercup debut in the corresponding meeting twelve months ago, Sharp made an immediate impression with a top ten qualifying performance and he would superbly repeat that feat this time out in his IDL Racing Porsche 911, which was run with support from Team Parker Racing.

Combining his previous experience of the circuit in Porsche machinery and some running in Friday’s sole practice session, Sharp posted a blistering effort of 2m 05.933s around the Grand Prix circuit to put himself eighth on the grid ahead of a number of regular Supercup front-runners.

That meant Sharp started the race as the second highest Carrera Cup GB driver on the grid, with a dramatic start to the race seeing a downpour of rain on the green flag lap lead to a delayed start to allow the field to switch to wet tyres.

After two laps behind the safety car the racing began and Sharp would immediately shine in the treacherous conditions, with an exquisite move around the outside of the current Carrera Cup GB championship leader Dan Cammish at the first corner setting the tone for a stunning opening lap.

By the end of the first 3.6 mile tour Sharp had climbed into fourth position overall and positioned himself right on the tail of the drivers occupying the podium positions, with the Camberley-based racer briefly challenging for third position.

As track conditions evolved however, Sharp started to lose grip in his Michelin tyres and found himself unable to maintain his position despite some determined defending, slipping back to seventh at the finish.

Not only did Sharp cross the line as the highest placed Carrera Cup GB driver in the field though, but he also posted the second fastest lap of the race, with his stunning performance earning him plaudits from across the paddock, the media and the fans watching trackside.

Tom Sharp: “Friday’s practice was difficult for us with just the one set of allocated tyres, as you can’t make the best of the available grip at the start of the session when you’re learning the track. We knew there were improvements to be made for qualifying though and we were delighted to put ourselves eighth on the grid.

“Rain was just what we needed for the race. It’s always a great leveller and as this event is just a one-off for us, it meant we could just go for it and not have to worry about championship points or anything. I think that showed in the first few laps, which were the best of my career.

“To have been knocking on the door of a podium in only my second ever Supercup event is amazing and something I will remember for a long time. These drivers are the best in the world in these cars and to compete at the front is massively satisfying.”

If you missed the Porsche Supercup action on television meanwhile, highlights at scheduled to be shown on Eurosport 2 later today (Wednesday 13th July) at 11.40pm.

After a busy few weeks at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Silverstone, Sharp and the IDL Racing team now have a short break before the Carrera Cup GB season resumes at Snetterton in Norfolk over the weekend of July 30/31.