It was a good start to the season for Paul with him picking up 2 podiums and 3rd in the championship as the Renault Clio Cup returned for the 2016 season.
After qualifying 6th for the first race Paul was hoping to come away with a good result to start the 2016 campaign. After battling to get past Bushell early in the race he set about trying to get past Streather and Pattison but to no avail and he finished the first race of the 2016 season in 3rd place.
After the race Paul commented – “I had a bit of a fight to get back past Bushell before I could have a crack at Streather and Pattison, but unless those two got into each other I don’t think there’d have been a way past. But a podium result in the first round is fine by me – I know only too well that consistency is key to a title challenge.”
For race 2 Paul lined up on the front row. After a good start saw Paul hold his 2nd place going into Paddock Hill bend he set about challenging Pattison for the lead. This battle brought Bushell into the mix and he set about trying to get past Paul. After a few taps including a wild 100mph sideways moment for Paul when Bushell tapped him on the Pits straight Paul pulled clear and took a hard fought 2nd place and 3rd in the championship.
After the race Paul said “That could have ended very badly on the pits straight. There was nothing malicious from Mike – in fact we’ve enjoyed two very good races with each other yesterday and today – but it did put me into a bit of a speed wobble. I’m glad I didn’t lift and held on to it.”