Ayrton Simmons enjoyed a mixed British Formula Three debut at the iconic Spa Francorchamps circuit last weekend, although the Epping racer did pick up a top four finish in race two.

The 17-year-old has made the step up to F3 for the rest of the season after recently joining Chris Dittmann Racing and will compete in the remaining rounds of the championship while simultaneously trying to win the British F4 title.

Simmons had never raced at Spa previously and hadn’t driven an F3 car before last weekend, but the 17-year-old was at home straight away.

After a promising practice session, Simmons showcased his ability by qualifying fourth for race one, but his hard work was undone during the opening laps when front-wing damage sustained following an attempted overtake on Jamie Caroline saw him head for the pits.

That pit-stop put an end to any hopes Simmons had of making it on to the podium and the Epping driver crossed the line in 18th place.

But the 17-year-old was handed another opportunity to secure a podium finish on his F3 debut in race two, when he lined up on pole position due to the reverse grid.

Simmons would grasp that chance with both hands and he got off to a good start, leading the field going into turn one.

Despite his best efforts, the 17-year-old couldn’t hold onto the lead as he was overtaken by Tristan Charpentier and Caroline by the end of lap one.

He slipped out of the podium places three laps later when he was passed by Sasakorn Chaimongkol after a good battle with the Thai racer, but Simmons kept his cool, producing a solid drive to cross the chequered flag in fourth place, just under a second away from the podium.

Simmons entered the final race of the day full of confidence after that result, lining up in 15th place on the grid.

But it was deja vu when the Epping driver picked up front-wing damage once again, forcing him to make an early visit to the pits.

Things went from bad to worse when his new front wing failed due to high speed and the 17-year-old was forced to retire two laps from the end.

Nonetheless, Simmons was buoyed by his F3 debut and his focus will now return to the British F4 championship this weekend, with the young racer looking to chase down leader Kiern Jewiss at Snetterton.