HOOK’S Archie Hamilton and co-driver Marco Mapelli finished on the podium in both races in the opening round of the International GT Open event at the Portuguese track of Portimao.

In the first race on Saturday the Autorlando pairing finished second in class and eighth overall, while in Sunday’s outing they won their class and finished an impressive third overall.

Hamilton qualified his Porsche 997 GT3 R third for race one, 18th overall, after putting in his best lap driving on brand new tyres for the first time.

Saturday’s race started under the safety car due to the wet conditions and Hamilton was in the car for the first stint.

He managed to gain overall positions before pitting to hand over to his teammate and the Italian was able to make his way through the pack to finish second.

In the second race the Autorlando team gambled on slicks despite the track being wet.

Mapelli had the tough job of starting the race and getting as much grip as he could from the drying racing line but he managed to pass the class leader.

Pitting for the driver change and a 10 second success penalty, Hamilton emerged in second place.

Within two laps the 21-year-old had passed the Goodsense Racing Team’s car for the class lead and third overall, and he maintained that position to the chequered flag.

Hamilton said: “I have to say a huge thank you to the team and Marco. It’s been a dream start to the season.

“The car feels very good, very stable, and it was great to be able to race with the Super GT cars with the conditions.

“To be on the podium is great, to win the class is fantastic and to be on the overall podium was the icing on the cake. I just want to do it again now.”

Hamilton’s next race is at Laguna Seca, Monterey, California in the American Le Mans Series on Saturday May 12.

The Hook driver’s next round of the International GT Open takes place at the Nurburgring circuit, Germany on the weekend of May 26 and 27.