FRAMLINGHAM's Josh Webster will represent England on a global stage after qualifying for the Rotax Max World Finals in Italy at the end of next month.

Stuart Watson

FRAMLINGHAM's Josh Webster will represent England on a global stage after qualifying for the Rotax Max World Finals in Italy at the end of next month.

After a dramatic finish to his debut season in the European Rotax Max Championships, the 14-year-old was left in fourth place overall and, although it usually only the top three that go forward to the one-off World Finals, Webster still qualified for the prestigious race for two reasons.

Not only did his highest placed rookie status put him in the World Finals, which are to be held at Italy's renowned La Conca circuit between November 27-30, the fact that the reigning world champion (who gains automatic qualification) finished in the top three meant that qualification places were pushed down the table anyway.

“I can't wait,” said Webster. “Everyone will be given the same chassis and engines over there so it should be a real comparison of driver skill.

“I would obviously love to win and say that I am world champion, but anything can happen in racing and I could be taken out at the first corner so we will just have to see.”

Webster's wariness of a potential crash is understandable considering the events of his final round in Belgium.

The Thomas Mills High School pupil - who has been the only Brit competing in the European Championships this year - went into the final round in second place overall and with ambitions of winning the title in his debut season.

In the end however the teenager was left relieved to simply bring the kart home in 14th after suffering a serious crash on the third corner.

When a Russian competitor tried to make a non-existent move up the inside Webster was sent into a spin and immediately another kart smashed into his side at around 55mph.

The kart went air born, passing over the top of Webster, but when it came down it caught his hand and left his rear axel bent.

“After that the kart became very hard to drive,” explains Webster. “The kart was juddering all over the place which was quite painful. By the time I had finished the race I was very, very numb.

“I went into the race wanting to win the championship but I wasn't too disappointed afterwards considering what had happened. The main goal for the season was to make the World Finals and that is what I have done.”

Webster also has one round of the Super One series to go and is hoping a good finish in Wigan in just under three weeks time could propel him into the top nine.