A mixed weekend for Rivett
Paul Rivett endured a rollercoaster of emotions during a crazy Renault UK Clio Cup weekend at Donington Park but despite varying fortunes he remains third in the standings.
The three-time champion’s meeting got off to a decent start with fourth in qualifying for the opening race and into the first corner he attacked Shayne Deegan for the lead around the outside. But Deegan was unwilling to give up the place without a fight and twice hit Rivett as they went through Redgate – the second sending the pair off the track and leading to chaos behind.
With the race redflagged, Rivett was hoping to take up his initial grid slot again but marshals incorrectly forced him into the pitlane. From there he fought his way up the order to eventually finish ninth, despite a damaged car, but it was a missed opportunity for the WDE Motorsport driver.
“It was a shame because we should’ve won that race,” said Rivett. “We had the second fastest lap in a car that wasn’t going straight. I was a man possessed in the race and if it hadn’t been shortened I think I could’ve got a few more places but it all helps with the championship.”
Rivett had managed to qualify second for race two and followed closely behind team-mate Lee Pattison when the race began. But a safety car was needed after a few laps for a collision involving Ollie Pidgley and James Colburn.
During this time, it started to rain heavily and the track was sodden when the safety car returned to the pits. On cold tyres, Rivett locked up and punted off Pattison, bringing out the red flags.
Initially Max Coates was declared the winner but Rivett was later reinstated as the victor as he made it back to the pits under his own steam. He wasn’t celebrating, however, with Pattison not featuring in the results – a decision that is being appealed by the WDE team.
“In the second race we had such great pace and I was trying to help Lee and I break away,” said Rivett. “I made a mistake and locked wheels and of all the people to run into it would be the championship leader, my team-mate and good friend Lee. I feel so bad for running into Lee and that’s the worst race win I’ve ever had.”
But Rivett said everything was put into perspective following the horrific crash involving Billy Monger in the third British Formula 4 race.
“It’s just horrible when something like that happens and I feel for him and his family,” Rivett added.
After the weekend he remains third in the Clio Cup standings, 16 points behind leader Mike Bushell.
The next rounds of the championship are at Thruxton on May 6/7.