Streather is fired up for a fast start

SALOON car racer Paul Streather confirmed his credentials as a major contender for honours in this year’s Renault UK Clio Cup after producing a strong top-three performance in pre-season testing.

The 27-year-old Nuneaton garage mechanic has joined leading team WDE Motorsport in the British Touring Car Championship feeder category.

And the early signs for the partnership are good with Streather reeling off some impressive times at Rockingham’s International Super Sportscar Circuit.

Streather said: “Rockingham was very productive.

“In the first session we ran really old rubber and only put two new tyres on the front in session two, so I was more than happy with the time we did there.

“To be honest everything on the car was old, the tyres, the brakes, and we know others ran four new tyres so our pace was really good.

“Even with the old tyres the car felt fantastic, and one of the most important things is we have consistent race pace. So, when we get to Brands for the first round in a couple of weeks I think we should be absolutely flying.”

Last year Streather achieved his maiden Renault UK Clio Cup race victory during the opening weekend of the season at Brands Hatch Indy Circuit – the venue for rounds one and two once again this year on April 1 and 2.

A repeat of that performance would be the dream start for Streather and he’s determined to hit the ground running.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to the start of the season and working with WDE, it’s a really professional team and I’m very happy with how everything is run. Hopefully it’s going to be a strong year.”