DRIVING ace Scott Moran had to settle for second place during the World Masters Hill Climb Championships in Luxembourg despite breaking the course record.

The Orleton man was pipped to the post by French champion Nicholas Schatz during the inaugural meeting last weekend.

But Moran, who clocked a top speed of 161mph while there, says it was a privilege to take part.

"I won my class but came second overall," he said.

"It was my first time at the track, which is excellent. It was a privilege to be invited and is great to drive against Europe's best. It was more than we could have wished for.

"There was a good crowd. It is much bigger over there. The guy who won it is a professional hill climber."

Moran broke the course record time of 48.99 by recording 48.58. Schatz, however, took the title by posting 48.34.

He said the course was noticeably different to those in the UK.

"It was much wider," he said.

"You could reach higher speeds into faster corners.

"I clocked 161mph at one point.

"Schatz is a professional who has competed at the course nine times before. He went first and had broken the course record but I didn't know."

Moran was one of ten British drivers taking part.

Moran Junior last month claimed his fifth MSA British Hillclimb Championship after securing a win and a second-placed finish at Doune in Scotland to ensure he became only the fourth driver in history to win five titles.

He has to wait until an awards ceremony in the New Year, however, to get his hands on that trophy.