CONNOR Jupp is aiming to grab his first win of the Formula 4 Winter Series this afternoon.

The Essex driver finished second in the first of four races at Brands Hatch this weekend for Billericay's Mectech Motorsport.

Jupp had secured his first pole of the series but was unable to convert it into victory on the Kent track's Indy circuit, although he was happy with his first podium in the BRDC championship.

"Getting a podium is another milestone and follows up my first pole," said Jupp, who lives in Ongar.

"A first win in on the cards but I just have to do my bit because Mectech have done a great job setting up the car."

The 17-year-old missed a gear at the start and saw Gaetano Di Mauro and Jordan Albert get past him going into Paddock Hill Bend.

But Jupp had too much speed and overtook fellow Brit Albert going into Druids on the fifth lap.

He quickly bore down on race leader Di Mauro and posted a fastest lap of 55.988 on lap 11 as he chased the Brazilian.

But he was unable to get by the PetroBall Racing driver and had to settle for second, finishing 0.925 seconds adrift of Di Mauro.

"I knew I was quicker than Gaetano but could not find the place to pick him off," added Jupp, who went into the weekend fourth in he championship after three fourths and a sixth in the opening round at Snetterton a fortnight ago.

"It was a lot different in the wet from qualifying to the race, with a lot of spray when I had two cars in front of me, but I think I dealt with it quite well."

Jupp paid tribute to Mectech team boss Mike Smith for setting the car up well and triple Radical champion Bradley Smith for his driving coaching.

"They have both done a great job and it's now up to me," added Jupp, who joined Mectech for the eight-race F4 winter championship.