KIDDERMINSTER race ace Nathan Freke returned to action but technical problems ensured that he could not increase his lead in the Ginetta G50 Cup at Snetterton.

After a six-week break, the Century Motorsport driver was determined to build on his fine start to the season that had lifted him to the top of the drivers’ table, but a problem with changing gears meant that he could only grab one podium place.

Instead, title-rival Carl Breese won all three races in Norfolk to cut Freke’s lead at the top to just 17 points.

Freke had looked good on Friday and had set the pace but a technical problem which prevented him changing gear without taking his foot off the throttle meant he struggled.

He said: “With a new engine in for Friday I was uncertain about how quick we would be but things soon sorted themselves out and I ended up quickest.

“Things were looking great until the last lap of the test where I had an electrical issue. At first it seemed to be a niggle but after further investigation the problem appeared to be far more severe than first thought.

“After no success in pin pointing the problem the decision was made to run the car without any warnings on the dash and more importantly no flat shift.”

In race one, he battled up to fourth position and despite losing momentum he held off to secure that place.

In the second race, which was round 16 of the G50 Cup, he started fourth on the grid but a broken rear suspension forced him to spin off and he settled for ninth.

Freke battled worsening electrical probems and was aided by by the Ginetta support crew, who helped rewire his car in time for the final round.

Starting fifth on the grid, he began well and jumped up to places and held off his rivals to end the weekend with a podium finish.

He will be aiming to have overcome the problems suffered at Snetterton in times for rounds 18,19 and 20 at Knockhill on the weekend of August 15 and 16.