Oschersleben (Germany), Sep 19 (IANS): India's Aditya Patel clinched the top honours Sunday to conclude a mixed weekend that saw him finish the first race in ninth spot before winning the second in the Volkswagen Scirocco R Cup championship here.

The 23-year old Patel started the second race that was run in heavy rain, from pole position, but dropped two spots after Daniel Lloyd and Ola Nillson passed him. The two front-runners, however, were involved in a collision going into turn-1 and spun off the track.

It put Patel in front, ahead of rookie driver Moritz Ostereich. The Chennai lad did well to defend his position despite coming under intense pressure to win the race.

"It was a nail-biting race. I can't remember the last time I fought for the lead like that. Moritz drove fair and brilliantly as well. I have to admit, there was a lot of luck involved as well. Ola and Lloyd had an unfortunate incident which went in my favour. Anyway, I guess that's racing!

"I am ecstatic and extremely grateful to all my sponsors JK Tyre, Amante, Jet Airways and Virtu Technology for making this year happen! Now, with one race to go, my aim is to finish in the top three in the championship," said Patel who currently occupies fifth position in the championship standings with a tally of 289 points.

Earlier, after a disappointing qualifying session, Patel started Race 1 from seventh on the grid and fought a hard battle with Turkish driver Berke Bayindir before being passed by Guest driver Daniel la Rosa and championship rival Lloyd with just three laps to go.

The championship concludes at Hockenheim where the 10th round will be run Oct 21.