Nicolas Taylor picked up his first podium of the season in the latest round of the TCR Europe series at the Red Bull Ring, with the reigning Italian champion heading to the season finale at Barcelona excited, but also weight-laden after his success in Austria.

Taylor will also be one of the 12 drivers in mathematic contention for the TCR Europe drivers' title, though his chances are outside at best, while he will go to the TCR Italy finale at Misano right in the fight against fellow TCR Europe competitor Nicola Baldan as they both chase their second Italian title.

“It's been a really positive race," said Taylor about his Red Bull Ring success. "I made it into Q2 and got onto the front row in second position. We had a decent start, but Eric (Gené) got away a little bit better and I couldn't really do much to challenge that, and then unfortunately we had a red flag right at the start which put a stop to things.

"Once we got underway again, Eric got a pretty good jump on me, I didn’t lose too much time, but it was enough to stop me making an attack in the opening laps. It was then about managing the tyres, and we started to get a bit spaced out and so I settled for second place and brought home the podium. The team gave me a great car, and it’s been a great learning opportunity being here at the Red Bull Ring for the first time.”