Thomas Randle has climbed to second in the BRDC British Formula 3 Championship after scoring a double podium at Oulton Park.

The aspiring Australian single seater racer has moved to within 37 points of championship leader Ricky Collard after recording two second place finishes from the three races at the Cheshire circuit.

Randle opened the meeting with a strong run to second in Saturday’s Race 1, which was stopped after just six laps due to a huge crash involving Carlin driver Ameya Vaidyanathan.

The 20-year-old from Melbourne finished seventh in the reverse grid Race 2, before again following Collard home in the final heat held on Bank Holiday Monday.

Having headed into the round fourth in the standings, Randle has now emerged as Collard’s nearest championship rival.

“It is a good way to end the weekend but it was a shame that we couldn’t get on the top step of the podium this weekend,” said Randle.

“To come away with two second places is good though. Ricky drove a faultless race both today and on Saturday.

“We’ve moved up to second in the championship, although we have lost a little bit of ground on him.

“We need to find a little bit more speed but I can’t thank the guys at Douglas Motorsport enough and all my supporters back home plus my Mum and Dad. Roll on Silverstone.”

Fellow Australian Thomas Maxwell picked up points after finishing ninth, 10th and 12th in the three races.

The championship heads to Silverstone for the fifth round from June 10-12.