The third round of the Ford Credit Fiesta Zetec Championship at Thruxton saw Howell involved in a controversial last lap showdown with Championship leader Godon Shedden.

With the cars side by side racing down the back straight with Shedden on the inside lane at the chicane, Howell braked a split second too late and hit the leader's car up the rear-end, sending the Scotsman spinning on the very last corner of the race.

Shedden recovered to finish second, but was less than happy about Howell's alleged tactics. Both drivers were fined £200 and had points put on their licences as a result of the shunt.

Gareth Howell said: "It's a shame we made contact, but that's racing. It is a good result for me as this is my first race win of the season. Hopefully, I can build on this victory when we go to Knockhill."

But an angry Shedden said: "I am very unhappy about the result as I should have won that race. I think Howell's move was unfair as I was in front when we turned into the chicane on the last lap."

The Ford Credit Fiesta Zetec Championship standings after three rounds shows Shedden leading rival Howell by only eight points.