Monday 16th September 2019

Latest Clio Cup makes public debut

Less powerful Clio racer is a shame, but it will at least continue as a support series for British GT

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Since 1991, the Renault Clio Cup has provided fantastic one-make racing across Europe. It even used Sport Spiders over here, in an odd deviation for a few years. In Britain it has proved a great stepping stone for further tin-top success, too, with Clio Cup champions John Bintcliffe, Jonny Adam, Tom Onslow-Cole, Jack Goff and Ash Sutton all securing BTCC seats after their Clio drives.

Then not so long ago, the future didn't look so good for Clio Cup. The 1.3-litre, 180hp all-in-one Clio racer - for stage, circuit and rallycross - was revealed, looking far tamer and boasting less power than the old Cup. Manufacturer support for the series was withdrawn at the end of 2018, which was going to mean no racing from next season, so it was looking like no Renault supermini championship in the UK since 1984.

However, things are now looking up. Alongside a public debut of the fifth-generation Clio Cup that made it look better than ever - race cars on two wheels will often do that - it's also been announced that the Clio Cup will support British GT next year, ensuring the championship's survival. There are provisionally seven rounds - Snetterton, Silverstone, Brands Hatch GP, Magny Cours, two Donington GP races and an unconfirmed overseas race - for next year, running from May until September.

Benoit Nogier, as well as having a great name, is Commercial Director for Renault Sport's customer racing activities. He said: "2020 will mark an important new chapter for the spirit of Clio Cup competition. Our philosophy has always been to make competing in Clio Cup accessible and enjoyable for both amateur racing enthusiasts as well as career-minded drivers, and we believe New Clio Cup is the perfect car to achieve that. It's an honour for the Clio Cup UK to join the best GT championship in the UK and all the manufacturers' series held during the same weekends."

As yet, there still aren't any price details for this Gen 5 Clio, nor for the kits that will turn it from circuit racer to rallycross machine to junior rally car and back again. It's easy to imagine there being plenty of interest with the increased flexibility of the platform, reduced running costs from the new powertrain and confirmation of Clio racing in the UK continuing. Just don't forget that the Cup championship has a reputation for good reason - keep plenty in the kitty for body repairs...

 

[gazza5]

If supporting British GT - could we see these going around Spa (as British GT goes to Spa every year)?

[Jon_S_Rally]

I don't think it's a bad thing that the car has gotten a bit simpler to be honest, as it helps to keep costs down. I did wonder if the drop to a smaller engine was to allow the car to fit into the R2 category of rallying too, as the R3 class as died a death, and it means they don't have to develop multiple cars.

Let's hope we still get an R.S. Clio road car too though.

[sideshowfred]

So glad they have found a platform to race them in the UK. Wasn't sure on the new shape when images first appeared but it grows on me everyday.

If nothing else it helps keep my (never really going to happen) dream of being able to run in the Clio Cup UK alive! I will be more tempted to go to a British GT round now as well.

It's a much better idea to have the same base car for 3 disciplines as well. Some of the differences on the old cars have been huge so hopefully this will make it more viable for those with smaller budgets.

[Gary29]

gazza5 said:

If supporting British GT - could we see these going around Spa (as British GT goes to Spa every year)?

Doubtful, not all of the support package goes to Spa with the GT's.

[Jimbo89]

Got to be better than it is at the moment, with such small grids starting it's no wonder TOCA have dropped it in favour of the MINI Challenge (which has been supporting British GT) as that's a mental series to watch.

They could go to Spa with the GT's, the Ginetta series (G40 Cup, GT5 Challenge) are going back to Zandvoort next year instead so there would be room on the timetable for them.

[sideshowfred]

Jimbo89 said:

Got to be better than it is at the moment, with such small grids starting it's no wonder TOCA have dropped it in favour of the MINI Challenge (which has been supporting British GT) as that's a mental series to watch.

They could go to Spa with the GT's, the Ginetta series (G40 Cup, GT5 Challenge) are going back to Zandvoort next year instead so there would be room on the timetable for them.

I think the grid is only so small this year because they announced it would be the last year of it before the season had started. If you go back to last season they actually had a decent size grid. This year no ones interested as it's a championship that disappearing from the package.