EAST Yorkshire racer Guy Smith made history with victory in round of the Blancpain Endurance Series at Silverstone.

Together with Bentley team-mates Andy Meyrick and Steven Kane, Beverley-born Smith returned to the top step of the podium with Bentley, the marque with which he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2003.

It was the Continental GT3 car’s maiden victory in the first appearance of a works-affiliated Bentley in the UK for 84 years.

Smith said: “It’s been an incredible race for us.

“To be beating the field at only our second race as a team, with a brand new car that’s less than a year old, is a fantastic achievement.

"I’d like to thank the entire team at M-Sport Bentley, but particularly the pit crew – they were

phenomenal, and they played a big part in the victory.

"Being back on the top step of the podium with Bentley feels just as good as it did 11 years ago at Le Mans.”

Brian Gush, Bentley’s director of motorsport, said: “It was a hard-fought race. A maiden victory at the home of British motorsport feels fantastic.”

The team will look forward to the third round of the Blancpain Endurance Series, in France at Paul Ricard on Saturday, June 28.