Title-chasing Matt Davies underlined his status as one of the country's leading young drivers by earning his second top three finish in the British Formula 3 Championship.

The 22-year-old from Billericay finished third at Snetterton, behind championship rivals Luciano Burti and Marc Hynes, after equalling his best ever result.

Davies - who qualified in fifth place after being second on the grid at one stage -- benefited at the start when third-qualifier Narain Karthikeyan stalled on the grid.

Davies' Fortec Motorsport Dallara-Mugen Honda F399 promptly stormed ahead of rookie-of-the-year Jenson Button down the back straight of the first lap to move third.

He put pressure on Burti and Hynes but was an unwitting victim when the latter's move to take the lead went wrong.

Hynes veered off the circuit and rejoined it in Davies' path, causing him to brake and enabling Button and Kirkaldy to pass.

Davies overtook Kirkaldy boldly on the outside on the ultra-fast Riches bend.

He explained: "I got a good run on him. We just had a slight touch as I went past and he spun off."

Davies moved up to third when Button spun, before chasing Burti and Hynes to the chequered flag.

The former Billericay School pupil said: "I was definitely quick enough. The car was excellent, but how often do people win from fifth on the grid in Formula 3?

"The only way I was going to be able to get ahead of the leading two was if there was an accident between them, and that didn't happen.

"But after the disappointing last couple of races I've had, I thought it would be a good idea to settle for third."

Davies stays sixth overall, but is now within striking distance of Button in the rookie rankings.

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