MATT Griffin got his bid for the Formula First rally Championship back on track with a morale-boosting third in class on the Dukeries Rally.

After failing to make the start of the last round, the Blackburn teenager admitted he faced an ‘uphill battle’ to win this year’s title.

But Griffin and co-driver Joe Cruttenden bounced back on the Nottinghamshire-based event, despite a difficult start.

“The morning stages of the rally didn’t go so well, as the car was suffering from a slipping clutch, and this slipped me down to 5th in class before the midday service halt,” explained Matt, who is studying for a foundation degree in motorsport logistics at Myerscough College.

“But the Rallyschool team, who built and prepare our VW Lupo, quickly rectified the problem and I went into the afternoon stages determined to improve my position.

“We had a trouble-free run and by the end of the day we managed to haul ourselves up to third.

“I still have an uphill battle for the rest of the season. There’s only three more rounds left and I need to score well in each. I’m positive about the remaining rallies, as they all in Wales, and I always seem to go well there.

l The rally was overshadowed by the death of competitor Martyn Lewis, 32, who crashed on stage seven. Although the rally continued, the awards ceremony was cancelled as a mark of respect.