Qualifying
After getting some more miles under his belt, with the new Dunlop tyres, on the Thursday test Paul was able to put this knowledge to good use in qualifying where he got his first pole position for race one of the weekend and second for race two.
Races
In race 1 Paul made a great start off the line and was 1.4 seconds ahead of second placed Josh Files by the end of the first lap. Paul controlled most of the race from the front but was coming under increasing pressure from Files towards the end of the race. On the last lap Paul made an uncharacteristic mistake going into the chicane but Files was unable to capitalise and Paul took the win by 0.5secs and the championship lead by 4pts.
After the race Paul said “I thought I had it all under control until I made a little mistake, one mistake in the race and it happened to be at the very end of the penultimate lap coming out of the chicane”, explained Rivett, “That was enough to get Josh [Files] really close but then he made a mistake at Redgate so that gave me the gap back.
“We were comfortable with the race, I knew Josh was gaining but I was happy and just counting the laps down. I knew I didn’t need to push any harder but then he suddenly started to really catch me so then I did have to push a little, in doing so I made that mistake. I’m really happy, my goal was to come out of this weekend leading the championship so hopefully we can hold on to it tomorrow.”
In race 2 Paul made a good start an was able to get into the lead by the first corner, despite receiving a tap going into the corner. Paul was able to stay in front but on lap four second place Files got a good drive out of Coppice and was able to over take Paul under braking for the Chicane.
Paul stayed on the rear bumper of Files but was unable to find a way past. On the last lap Files had some oversteer at the Old Hairpin. This was the chance Paul needed and he was able to make his move going into the Chicane but Files had the better drive out of the corner and they both went over the line together with Paul taking the win by 0.013 seconds (One of the closest finishes in the Championships history).
After the race an overjoyed Paul said “That’s one of the most fun races I’ve ever had in Clio Cup”, said an elated Rivett, “I got out of the car absolutely buzzing, not that I don’t usually but today’s race was that bit extra special. I really didn’t expect to win that race, I was happy to sit there and take the second place but he [Files] gave me an opportunity and I took it. I really thought he was going to beat me to the line though!”
It was a great weekends racing and Paul’s performances won him the buyoils.co.uk driver of the day award.