Coates can cease a Clio landmark win
NORTH Yorkshire tin-top ace Max Coates will fly the flag for the UK next weekend when he lines up at the International Renault Clio Cup Final in France.
Coates, who narrowly missed out on the UK title this year, is one of three young drivers chosen to represent Britain at the landmark event, which brings together the leading drivers from Clio Cup championships worldwide.
Held at the iconic Paul Ricard track, competitors will fly in from France, Spain, Italy, Germany, China and other countries, with an extra incentive for the winner – a new 280bhp Megane Renault Sport car.
Coates, of Scorton, was one of the most dominant figures in this year’s British series, leading the points into the final round and just missing out on the crown.
Now he has been able to draw on extra help from his loyal sponsors and remote support from the Pyro Motorsport team to allow him to make his Paul Ricard debut in what will be his second international race this year.
“It’s been an amazing season and this will be my second race overseas in 2018, which started with me racing a Clio Cup car in the 24-Hours of Dubai endurance event.
“So to get another opportunity to race on an international level this season is fantastic.
“I’m hugely grateful to my partners for their continued support to make this happen. The announcement to race came quite late and they all supported me straight away.”
For Coates, it offers a whole new challenge in the form of a new track which he has yet to learn, and his biggest concern is how he’ll fare against drivers who have already experienced it.
“I’m definitely excited about getting my first taste of Paul Ricard. I may not have driven it before but I’m very much familiar with it and really looking forward to it.
“I’ve been practising on my simulator doing all the research possible. It’s going to be difficult to beat drivers from the other countries on their own turf. One thing is for sure, though, I’ll be giving it everything possible to win.
“I am planning to go out there and learn the track early on and then give it my very best shot – I’d certainly love to come home with a shiny new Megane RS.”
The event will give all the drivers the chance to participate in the final round of the Spanish Clio Cup on Saturday to give them the opportunity to learn the track.
Then on Sunday, all cars will take part in timed qualifying sessions to determine the quickest. The fastest from each country will then get to line up in the grand final.
The race will be streamed live on the Renault Sport YouTube channel.