NEW JUNIOR UK CLIO CUP FOR ’17

“The MSA can sanction four junior championships and at the moment there is only one manufacturer-backed class in junior car racing so they obviously understand that there is a market. I think it adds further kudos to British motorsport to have Renault involved.”

The same car that is used in the main UK Clio Cup will be raced on Michelin road tyres, with modifications to the ECU to restrict it to 100mph and five gears. The car has been tested by former champion Phil Glew to find the right configuration and the idea is that teams will be able to use the same car in both series.

“In the current climate it does make things more appealing,” said Fewkes. “It’s a great car, it’s a very safe car and it’s proven on track in this championship.”

The new series has had a mixed reaction from existing Clio Cup teams. WDE Motorsport, which runs Paul Rivett in the main series, plans to enter drivers.

“I think it’s a really good thing,” said team boss Wayne Eason. “I think there’s a market for it as it’s a current product that’s new and there’s longevity there. We are definitely looking to get involved. I think with Renault behind it, it will be good.”

But Eason added that the cost of the cars, particularly with the weak euro exchange rate, could be a potential problem.

However, Team Pyro boss Mark Hunt is unsure where the category will sit in the congested junior racing scene that already features Ginetta Junior, Junior Saloon Cars and Fiesta Juniors. “I think the market is saturated,” he said.