FORMER CHAMPION FILDES RETURNS TO NEW GENERATION CLIO CUPJonathan Fildes, 2003 ELF Renault Clio Cup Champion, is to make a welcome return to the action-packed category this season – the first with the brand new Clio Renaultsport 197 car – after signing a deal with multiple title winners Total Control Racing.The 31-year-old Irish star, who competed in the SEAT Cupra Championship with TCR last season, made the decision to return to the Clio Cup after a meeting with team boss Lee Brookes at the Autosport International Show earlier this month.Jonathan, who will be backed throughout the 2007 season by Applied Signs & Display, Asgard Taverns and Barry Evans Plastics, is aiming for nothing less than championship success in his new generation 2.0-litre, 205bhp Renault Clio and the Co.Meath resident is confident a return to the top step of the podium is most definitely on the cards.“I’m certainly not returning to the Clio Cup to come second, that’s for sure”, said the Irish star after confirming the deal which sees him continue his successful relationship with TCR and re-form the partnership which earned such a superb title triumph in 2003.“We went along to the Autosport show without thinking we’d come away with a deal to race in Clios pretty much agreed. I’m delighted to be back with Lee and the boys at TCR and to confirm the deal so early. I know we can have a really outstanding year, the new car looks fantastic and I truly can’t wait to get out there testing as soon as possible.”He added: “Last season in the SEAT didn’t turn out to be a very good year for us, if there was bad luck to be had we managed to get the full dose of it. I’m very grateful to my sponsors though, Applied Signs & Display, Asgard Taverns and Barry Evans Plastics, for showing faith in me and giving me the opportunity to race in Clios again this year.”Having excelled in Ireland in a variety of saloon car championships between 1994 and 2002, Jonathan’s first ever season of racing in the UK came in 2003 when he stunned the national motorsport scene by winning the incredibly competitive Clio Cup series after an outstandingly consistent year.In 2004, continuing his successful association with TCR, the Dubliner made the switch to rear-wheel drive with a season in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB, ending the year fourth overall. After opting to return to his racing roots in Ireland in 2005, Jonathan totally dominated the Dunlop Supercars Championship to claim another title.Last year the SEAT Cupra Championship became the Irish star’s series of choice and although enduring a luckless season, he still managed to end the campaign sixth overall in the driver standings.Unquestionably one of Ireland’s most successful saloon car drivers, Jonathan’s surprise return to the Clio Cup will surely see him begin the campaign as championship favourite, thoughts echoed by TCR boss Lee Brookes.“I’m delighted Jonathan has signed a deal with us”, said Brookes, “It ensures we have another top driver again for what will be a new challenge with the brand new car. As a former champion, he’s got to be the favourite for the title. I’m really looking forward to the season ahead which should be good.

“Jonathan did surprise everyone when he won Clios with us in 2003 but we noticed his ability the first time he ever tested with the team and knew what he was capable of achieving. Although last season in SEAT wasn’t what he had hoped for, we’re certain he’ll be the man to beat in Clios this year which is great news for TCR.”Official pre-season testing for the ELF Renault Clio Cup will take place on Monday, 26th February, at Silverstone National Circuit in Northamptonshire with a second exclusive test on Monday, 12th March, at Brands Hatch Indy Circuit. The Kent venue also stages the first race meeting of the 2007 season on Saturday, 31st March, and Sunday, 1st April.Jonathan Fildes ProfileAge - 31Date of Birth - 28th June 1975Nationality - IrishBorn - DublinLives - Co. Meath, IrelandOccupation - Garage Owner/MechanicSponsors - Applied Signs & Display, Asgard Taverns, Barry Evans PlasticsRacing Highlights2006 - Blaupunkt SEAT Cupra Championship – sixth overall with four podiums2005 - Dunlop Supercars Champion2004 - Porsche Carrera Cup GB – fourth overall with two podiums2003 - ELF Renault Clio Cup Champion 2002 - Dunlop RT2000 Champion2001 - Dunlop RT2000 Champion1999 - Stryker Sports Car Champion; Motorsport Ireland ‘Driver of the Year’1995 - Irish Peugeot 205 Champion