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Test Ban Imposed On Clio Cup After Fildes Accident |
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Monday, 12 March 2007 |
Irish saloon car ace Jonathan Fildes has spoken out in support of a decision by Renault Sport UK officials to impose an immediate pre-season testing ban on the ELF Renault Clio Cup following an accident involving the 31-year-old at Brands Hatch this morning.
Thankfully the 2003 ELF Renault Clio Cup Champion emerged unscathed from the incident which occurred when his Total Control Racing-run car left the 1.2-mile Indy Circuit after an unexplained breakage to the right-front upright on his Clio’s suspension.
With the incident following on from similar issues affecting the new
Clio Renaultsport 197 during testing at Silverstone National Circuit a
fortnight ago, championship officials have now acted swiftly to impose
an immediate testing ban.
“I had only completed five laps when the right-front upright broke and
sent me off the circuit”, explained Jonathan, “None of us know what has
caused the problem so rather than risk any more accidents, Renault has
done the right thing in imposing an official ban on all Clio Cup
testing immediately.”
Just prior to the accident Jonathan had posted the second fastest time
and the Asgard Taverns, Applied Signs & Display and Barry Evans
Plastics-supported star certainly looked set to remain a pace-setter
throughout the day, once again underlining his position as a genuine
challenger for the 2007 title.
“Having only had one test in the car at Silverstone a couple of weeks
ago, it is frustrating this problem has arisen but we all have to
support Renault’s decision to impose the ban”, added the Co.Meath
driver.
“Personally, I’m very happy with the stance Renault has taken. The
important thing now is for the technical officials to sort the problem
out before the start of the season and I have every confidence they
will. The Clio Cup is a fantastic championship and the new Clio is a
terrific car, I’m sure this problem will be rectified very quickly.”
Oulton Park Island Circuit in Cheshire was due to host a second
officially timed test session next Tuesday, 20th March, but in light of
Jonathan’s accident today and the subsequent testing ban this is
obviously now in question.
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