Confirmed With Maiden Test Miles

Jonathan Fildes, 2003 ELF Renault Clio Cup Champion, confirmed his pre-season billing as one of the favourites to claim this year’s title after a highly competitive test outing at Silverstone National Circuit yesterday; the Irish star instantly on the pace during his first ever run in the brand new Clio 197.The 31-year-old, who will be backed throughout the season by Applied Signs & Display, Asgard Taverns and Barry Evans Plastics, arrived at the Northamptonshire venue with no prior mileage in the new generation Clio under his belt but swiftly served notice to his series rivals he is back in the Clio Cup with one aim only, to win the championship.Competing with crack squad Total Control Racing, the Co.Meath sensation concluded the first Clio group test of the year just three 10ths of a second shy of the outright pace, an excellent achievement having only been acquainted with his new car this morning.With conditions blustery and cold during the opening two hour 45 minute session, light rain did threaten towards the end of the morning but skies brightened early in the afternoon enabling Jonathan to enjoy a full day of dry running.“We’re all very happy with the way testing has gone for us today”, said Jonathan, “I’m delighted with the pace we’ve shown, Lee (Brookes) is happy and the whole team has been quick. The new car really suits my driving style, which is the complete reverse to the SEAT I raced last year, so things are looking very good ahead of the new season.“Unfortunately the test was blighted by a lot of stoppages but when we were able to string some laps together we were consistently quick. To end the day just a couple of 10ths off drivers who have been testing for weeks has given me a lot of confidence, I can’t wait for the next official test at Brands Hatch now.”Although Silverstone isn’t included on the 2007 Renault Clio Cup race calendar, today’s outing certainly gave Jonathan some valuable mileage and enabled a clearer picture of each driver’s relative pace to emerge.The first officially timed test of the pre-season will take place in a fortnight’s time at Brands Hatch Indy Circuit on Monday, 12th March. The Kent venue will then host the opening race meeting of the 2007 Renault Clio Cup season on Saturday, 31st March, and Sunday, 1st April.