RYAN Lewis came away from the Champ Car Atlantic race with a well-deserved fifth-place finish in Toronto. The Royston 23-year-old started the race outside of the top 10, with the new rubber on his wheels affecting the car s balance in the qualifying stag

RYAN Lewis came away from the Champ Car Atlantic race with a well-deserved fifth-place finish in Toronto.

The Royston 23-year-old started the race outside of the top 10, with the new rubber on his wheels affecting the car's balance in the qualifying stages.

However, Lewis got off to a good start until rain began to make the Canadian city's streets treacherous.

Two laps in, he pulled into the pit stop for a change of wet tyres only to be met with the red flag, a move that put the British driver to the back of the queue.

As a result, Lewis then had to fight his way up the field and despite the set back, crossed the line in fifth place.

He said: "After being waved the red flag, I had to pick my way through three or four cars. Overall it was a great result for the team and one that reflects where we should have been all weekend."

Team principal, Derrick Walker added: "The red flag was a huge disadvantage for Ryan. From that point he just had to use is head and that's what he did. He drove a really smart race.

"Ryan deserved a podium finish, but in the wet anything can happen. It was a good solid race, but he certainly deserved better.