CROPTHORNE'S James Calado has "never been in a happier place" after lifting the GT FIA World Endurance Drivers' Championship.

The 28-year-old Ferrari driver sealed his success in the final round in Bahrain, capping a memorable campaign which had already yielded the FIA World Endurance Championship for his team alongside Alessandro Pier Guidi.

The nine-race season had been a roller-coaster of fortune, strong finishes throughout with three race wins was shadowed by a non score at this year's famous Le Mans 24 hours.

Calado had led the standings by two points but needed to beat the Porsche 911 RSR driven by Frederic Makowiecki and Richard Lietz and the Ford GT driven by world touring car champion Andy Priaulx and Harry Tinknall to seal the deal.

Racing was close with multiple leaders early on but by midway point, the Ferrari had taken the lead which was held until the end.

With the championship secured, gifted the race win to the sister car driven by Sam Bird and Davide Rigon to see both Ferraris cross in a spectacular photo finish.

Calado has been involved in motorsport since the age of nine, clinching both British and European karting championships before a run of great success in single seater formulae concluding as Formula one's reserve driver for Silverstone based team, Force India.

A switch from single-seater racing to sports cars racing Ferrari proved to be an opportunity of a lifetime, following the steps of the last British Ferrari works drivers Eddie Irvine and the late John Surtees.

“I'm almost speechless,” said Calado.“I've never crossed the line with so much emotion before. Its been an unbelievable year for Ferrari and for us.

"To say we are world champions is really unbelievable. We made a few changes inside the team this year and I've never been in a happier place. Alessandro is an amazing team mate."

The plan for 2018 is yet to be confirmed but all being well, Calado will contest the World Endurance Championship and defend his world title.