Dean Stoneman is second in the GP3 Championship after an outstanding weekend in Sochi.

The 24 year-old produced a flawless performance in Saturday's feature race to make it back-to-back GP3 victories following his famous win in Monza last month.

And this morning the cancer survivor from Bishops Waltham finished second in a thrilling sprint race following a three-way battle for the lead on the last lap - after starting in eighth position due to the reverse grid format.

His performances - his first for Koiranen GP3 following the withdrawal of Manor Marussia for the rest of the season - ensured that Championship leader Alex Lynn will have to wait until the final GP3 races in Abu Dhabi to clinch the title.

With two races to go, Southampton-based Stoneman is 47 points behind his fellow Brit, who only managed seventh and fifth in Sochi's first-ever GP3 races.

After today's thriller, Stoneman said: "Not many drivers have come from eighth to second this season. I had a reminder before the race that only one driver has won both races during a GP3 race weekend: Antonio Felix Da Costa, and I thought about that during the race too."

With Lynn still needing two points to clinch the title, Stoneman grinned: “Hopefully Alex will be kidnapped!

“It’s a shame I didn’t get these results one round earlier, as I could have made the battle for the crown closer.

"But it’s the way it’s gone unfortunately. Marvin [Kirchhöfer] is just one point behind me, so my aim in Abu Dhabi is just to beat him.  I’ve got to go out there and hopefully win the first race at Yas Marina and then try and do the same in the second.”

The first GP3 race at the brand-new Sochi circuit on Saturday was a very different contest.

Lining up in pole in the bright Russian sunshine, Stoneman's lead was never challenged.

He grew in speed and confidence as the 15-lap race unfolded, posting the fastest time of the race (1:53.889) on the final lap.

"To come here for the first time with a new team and win at the first ever Russian GP3 race is very satisfying," said Stoneman. "I have to thank Koiranen, they have been amazing.

“The car is the best GP3 car I have ever driven. I still feel there is more to come."