Winter: Series shortened to two rounds

RENAULT SPORT ANNOUNCES PLANS TO BOOST CLIO WINTER CUP COSTS

Organisers of the 2009 ELF Renault Clio Winter Cup with Michelin have announced new plans to make the series more cost effective to both teams and drivers.

The series will now compete over just two rounds, instead of the previous four, which will both be held at Northamptonshire's Rockingham Motor Speedway on Saturday, 7th November.

The series will still adopt the same format as used in recent years of 1x qualifying session and 2 x races with testing taking place on the Friday beforehand.

Cars without the latest bodywork update, introduced during the summer, will also be allowed to compete in a bid to swell grid numbers.

ELF Renault Clio Cup with Michelin Promoter Simon North commented: "After talking to all our existing Clio Cup teams we felt that by limiting the series to just one circuit and two rounds it would prove more cost effective for teams but also potential drivers.

"With six of last year's competitors racing full time in the main 2009 championship, the series remains a fantastic opportunity for prospective new drivers for 2010 to gain some useful race experience and mileage."

Last year's series saw Irish racer Aron Smith take the overall honours with two wins and two second places to finish 21-points clear of PH Motorsport's Philip House.

Registrations for the series are open now with a closing date of Wednesday, 14th October.

-credit: rcc uk