KARTING ace George Russell celebrated his 14th birthday in style - at the top of the podium.

The Tydd St Giles star romped to victory in the prestigious Winter Cup held at Lonato, Italy - the opening KF3 kart race of the season.

Formula 1 driver Paul Di Resta watched from a crowded grandstand on Sunday as Russell shrugged off a carburettor failure to win the pre-final.

The victory left the Intrepid Driver Program racer in pole position for the final, which he won by more than five seconds.

Russell took the biggest title of his career last year when he triumphed in the CIK-FIA European Championship.