Zandvoort (The Netherlands), Sep 23 (IANS): Shahaan Engineer claimed his first ever podium in round 17 of the Formula Renault 2.0 Northern European Cup here with a terrific drive to second place, having led most of the 14-lap encounter.

Starting the second of the Saturday's races from pole position, after delivering a tremendous performance in qualifying Friday, the 17-year-old Fortec Motorsports driver made a good start to hold the lead and after a brief Safety Car period early on, he pulled away from the chasing pack.

By lap 10, the Mumbai-born racer was almost three seconds clear at the front and well in control but on the last corner of the penultimate lap of the race, Shahaan was blocked on the inside line as he attempted to lap a slower car.

The ensuing delay for Shahaan dropped him to second place, as his nearest rival snatched the lead around the outside. The Indian had to settle for second spot, just 0.6 seconds behind. He also clocked the second fastest lap of the race.

"Taking my first podium is fantastic, the team did a great job and I felt really comfortable leading from pole", said Shahaan.

"Everything was going perfectly until the backmarker got in the way as soon as I'd made my decision to go to the inside to pass him he swerved in front of me and I had to slow down."

In the 16th round, Shahaan finished in sixth position to mark a strong first day of racing at the 4.3-kilometre track.