CHIPPENHAM’S Danny Kent enjoyed a rain-hit Czech Republic Grand Prix as he recorded a seventh place finish in the Moto2 class.

After a weekend of sunny weather, persistent rain showers on Sunday morning at the Automotodrom track of Brno, host of the 11th race of the 2016 season, sent all plans out the window.

Kent had qualified eighth quickest for the race with a time of 2 minutes 2.289 seconds, however, he dropped back to 16th on the grid after picking up a penalty for low tyre pressures.

The 22-year-old did not lose heart and charged into the race, focused and determined on his personal comeback.

Even his teammate, Miguel Oliveira, was on a mission and battled with world champion Johann Zarco on the opening laps.

Meanwhile, Kent was gaining ground and soon found himself battling with his teammate and former Moto3 rival.

Together, the two riders entered the top 10, with Kent able to lead the way in front of Oliveira, separated by less than 0.3 seconds.

With only five laps to go, the duo set their sights on the Kalex of Franco Morbidelli, with Kent able to jump the Italian on the last lap, with Oliveira finishing ninth overall.

“Overall it’s been a very good weekend for me and the team,” said Kent, who will next be in action at his home grand prix at Silverstone on the weekend of September 2 to 4.

“All weekend we were inside the top 10.

“Sadly, because of the qualifying penalty, it made the start of the race a lot harder.

“The spray was quite bad and on the main straights it was hard for everyone as we couldn’t see in front of us.

“Like I said, overall a good weekend and I feel we’ve made a good step forward. Now I’m looking forward to my home GP and keeping the pace up.”