Jack Clarke was looking good for a strong finish at the historic Imola track in Italy when an oil spill ruined his day.

The 21-year-old was one of the first on the scene of another driver's oil spill, turning a possible fourth place finish in the FIA Formula Two Championship into a recovery drive from the back.

"It was really disappointing" said Clarke, from Effingham. "I really enjoyed the track and was pretty quick in the race.

"I had a few problems in qualifying for the first race and spun out before I could set my fast time, but I was a little better in the second qualifying."

Clarke qualified 12th and knew with his race pace that a good points-scoring result would be possible.

One of the Red Bull drivers had a problem with his engine and spilt oil all over the racing line.

Alex Brundle and Clarke were just behind him and took the brunt of it, Brundle spinning into the wall.

Clarke also spun but managed to get back on the track albeit right at the back.

With insufficient time to claw places back, Clarke had to settle for 13th.

"Once again my lap times were good and would have put me in a great points scoring position," said Clarke.

"I am also told I hogged the limelight on Eurosport's television coverage so hopefully that pleased my sponsor – KSS Design - and anyone else out there who would like to come on board with me."

Clarke, pictured right, has a short break from his own track action now with the final two rounds of the championship in Barcelona at the end of October.

He will be heading stateside for a few days to help one of his mentor's, Brazilian racer Gil de Ferran win the Petit Le Mans endurance race in Atlanta.

"I will be running around and being a tyre man and everything else," he added.

"But it is great experience for me to see how a top team operates and I will be getting some serious advice from people like Gil and Scottish drivers Dario Franchitti and Alan McNish who will be racing out there.

"I really plan to finish my season on a high and work towards a second year in Formula Two in 2010 when I think I will have the experience to challenge for the title."