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Deposit Holders Get First Taste Of New Clio Cup Car |
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Monday, 18 September 2006 |
ELF Renault Clio Cup drivers Alan Taylor and Steve Wood became the first deposit holders to have an active experience in the New Clio Cup race car during a special demonstration session at the World Series by Renault at Donington Park on Saturday, 9th September. Both drivers have placed a deposit for the car that will race in the Championship from 2007 and took advantage of an exclusive opportunity provided by Renault Sport and its development driver Laurent Hurgon.
After round 15 of the Championship at Donington Park’s Grand Prix circuit, Wood and Taylor joined a lucky Renault Sport UK competition winner for two laps of the 2.50-mile circuit as Hurgon’s passenger. The Frenchman, who helps develop models such as New Clio Renaultsport 197 and Mégane Trophy team Energy Racing.
Taylor, who is considering running a three-car challenge with current
team Robertshaw Racing, was thrilled to be the first Clio Cup driver to
experience the new car on track. He said: “It was brilliant and made be
even more certain that I want to buy the cars. You’re never sure what
to expect from a new car but this is fantastic. The braking power is
tremendous and I could really feel Laurent working the car.
JHR Racing Developments driver Wood added: “The handling of the car was
far superior to anything the current car can do. It drifted round the
corner in complete control and that may reflect the adjustable dampers
that are on the new car. The way Laurent threw the car around, I
wouldn’t dream of doing to that extent in the current Clio.
“The brakes are also much improved judging from where Laurent was
braking for corners compared to where we had been in the race. The
power in a straight line was quite similar and I can’t wait to get out
testing.”
Having completed his track duties, Hurgon provided an insight into the
development of the new car, which is currently racing in Clio Cup in
Spain, Italy and Germany. He said: “The engineers have worked hard on
the brakes and at Redgate corner I was braking at about 60 or 70
metres, which is later than even the Mégane Trophy. Drivers will have
to change the discs much less often.
“The position of the gear lever close to the steering wheel makes
things much easier for the driver and allows them to concentrate on
other things. Also, the rear axle and suspension have been developed so
that the car slides progressively rather than snapping out. Electric
steering took a lot of development but you can really feel the
difference and because there is more grip, the car overall is much
easier to control.”
To date, 63 deposits have been received for the car. A further payment
of £9,250 is required by Wednesday, 1st November to confirm the order
and the cars will then be produced at Renault Sport’s Dieppe factory.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 14 December 2006 )
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