Bartender takes the chequered flag in PlayStation contest

However, it wasn't Silverstone where Capital petrolhead Alex Ingram tasted success but a UK-wide PlayStation tournament in the city's Oxford Circus.

Leaving 10 British finalists trailing in his wake, the 23-year-old bartender hit breakneck speeds to be crowned champion of the Sony Bravia Gran Turismo 5 3D tournament without ever leaving the comfort of an armchair.

Close to 700 GT5 fans entered into the competition's regional heats with two gamers from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Reading and Liverpool travelling to London for the final.

Alex went one better than his last tournament in February where he scooped silver in the National Final of the GT Academy competition judged by British Formula One driver Johnny Herbert.

The respected button-basher, who passed his real driving test at 17, said: "I've owned every version of the Gran Turismo for the last ten years and managed to hone my driving skills playing with my brother.

"I'd never really thought I would be competing nationally but hoped I might. It seems all those hours spent in front of the screen when I was younger were worthwhile.

"All that time ago I played the game because I enjoyed it and not thinking I would ever get a chance at being one of the best at it."

Alex, from Gorgie, won a television as a top prize as well as a holiday to Madrid.

Adding some glitter to the competition was F1 personality and commentator Jake Humphrey who hosted the event and swooped in to quiz the new UK champion minutes after crossing the finish line.

"I wouldn't say I was shocked at winning but it was hard to articulate how it felt because I was being interviewed on stage in front of quite a few people as soon as the race was over," said Alex.

"It was a lot to take in but I was delighted that I won.

"One of the guys I had beaten in the competition has done a number of these tournaments and won a car in one of them – which would be nice to emulate."