Alex gives stalwart a run for his money

Alex Walker in action

Karting: RACE ace Alex Walker rubbed shoulders with an ex-Formula One driver, before breathing down his neck in a thrilling race.

Johnny Herbert, best known for his stint with Benetton in the early 1990s, held his annual charity kart competition in Docklands, London.

The three-hour endurance contest was, for the first time in eight years, won by Herbert’s side, but a six-man CR Scuderia team including Alex gave him plenty to think about before finishing third out of 20 rival squads.

The 15-year-old’s podium place comes hot on the heels of his fine display in the Association of Karting Clubs National KF2 Championships finale, where a third-place finish on the day earned him the Vice-Champion gong.

Alex’s mum Audrey said: “Those quite new to the sport only did a few laps, but Alex did 80, and at certain points found himself racing against Johnny Herbert. The experience of going up against an ex-Formula One star was excellent.”

Herbert, who competed in 165 Formula One races, has been running the charity event since 1994.