Rivett: A man for all seasons
Out of the hundreds of drivers who have contested the Renault UK Clio Cup over the past 25 years, one stands out as easily the most successful: Paul Rivett.
He made his debut in the series in 2001 and, aside for a couple of years out in the mid-2000s, has been part of the championship ever since. He’s won three titles (2002, 2004, 2011), secured 45 victories, taken 100 podiums and started close to 200 races.
“It’s such a great series,” he enthuses. “Renault has produced great car after great car. For me it started with the second generation Clio in 2001 – that was a fantastic car and then it got even better with the third and there was another step forward with the fourth.
“It’s such a good product – it makes great racing and always has done. It’s very cost-effective – it’s not cheap to go racing but it’s not bad when you look around at everything else – and it’s a great place to be. With everything Renault put into it, except possibly touring cars, there couldn’t be anywhere better for me.”
Unsurprisingly, Rivett says his three titles are the highlights of his time in the category. “It’s not really until I sit and look back that I realise what success I’ve had in it,” he says. “Taking my 100th podium at Donington Park really brought that home.”
In recent seasons, Rivett has been more involved in the championship than ever before after becoming team manager of the WDE Motorsport outfit that he currently races for.
“It means I’m so, so busy on a race weekend,” he admits. “I have more to focus on than just driving the car but I really enjoy it and couldn’t do what I do without the rest of the team.”