4Front Motor Group driver travelled to sunny Thruxton in Hampshire with a big smile on his face. After a successful 1-2 at Donington with team mate Charlie Ladell, Paul comes into the Thruxton meeting leading the 2016 Renault UK Clio cup.
Paul lead the 3 three WDE Clio’s’ onto the track for the qualifying session as the drivers worked in formation to find the quickest line around the quick Thruxton circuit. Unfortunately Paul couldn’t get a the tow he wanted to be able to set a lap time that he knows both him and the WDE Motorsport Clio are capable of achieving. This finds Paul in the middle of the pack in 8th for race 1.
The session was not all disappointing as Paul’s experience and calm and smooth driving style enabled him to set consistent lap times, which finds the 4Front Motor Group starting round 6 of the championship in a promising 2nd position.
Paul “Qualy was a mixed bag for me. I was disappointed to not be further up the grid, but the car felt good and I know I can claim a few places as long as we have a bit of luck and stay out of trouble. Starting race 2 on the front row is fantastic and with clear track in front of me I will be disappointed if we don’t come away with another podium and a bag full of points”
Paul made a good start in his 4Front Motor Group Clio prepared by WDE Motorsport and was quickly in the mix battling for position. On only the second lap Paul managed to pass not only Bushell, but also team mate Paul Plant.
The safety car was deployed on lap 5 after a crash involving Zelos. Paul managed to close the gap in preparation for the restart. Straight away the action continued and Paul battled his way up to 3rd for a short time, with the place continuing to swap between Rivett and Bushell.
The race was stopped with 3 laps to go after an incident involving Rivett’s team mate Plant and Luke Kidsley. Leaving Paul in 4th place just 1 second off the podium.
Paul Rivett ” That was fun, a great battle from start to finish. While of course I’d love to have a piece of silverware I can’t be too unhappy. I have scored good points for the championship and the car is in one piece for the front row start for race 2″
A decent start from Paul ensured the 4Front Motor Group with WDE Clio held its position through the first corner as the rest of the pack filtered out and into a racing rhythm. The number 22 car continued to make its way around the Thruxton circuit as Paul came under mounted pressure from the Jam-Sport car of Ant Whorton-Eales. Rivett continued to keep on the pace while keeping W-E in his mirrors. On lap 6 the epic battle came to an end when Paul’s car came of the curb and the rear end started to “hop” out of control. Rivett’s experience then kicked in with a recovery slide that would not of looked out of place on a drift track. This sadly dropped Paul back down into 11th in the field.
As the 2nd half of the race progressed Paul managed to battle up through the pack and finished a respectfully 8th overall.
Paul “Overall it’s been a disappointing weekend as we had the pace to get at least one podium finish if not two. But on the bright side (and this weekend has been very bright) we managed to get the 4Front Motor Group with WDE Clio across the line in both races with only minor scratches. We will go back now look for minor improvements and come back fighting at Oulton”
Rounds 7 and 8 of the Renault UK Clio Cup will be at Oulton Park Ciruit, Cheshire on 3-5 June 2016.