A true heir to the R8 Gordini launched in 1966, the fifth generation Clio Cup has been a resounding hit, delivering spectacular, lively races full of twists and turns in its maiden campaign.

In the wake of this promising debut, Renault Sport Racing continues the expansion of its latest creation by introducing it in Clio Cup Central Europe and in Clio Cup Italia while fine-tuning its product with the arrival of several changes based on the feedback of the competitors.

2 + 2 = 5 !

Coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Clio Cup, 2021 will mark the beginning of a new era with the launch of the Clio Cup Europe, whose unique format makes it possible to maintain the specificities of each of the four national and regional series.

Composed of five to six rounds within the framework of recognised race meetings, the Clio Cup Central Europe, Clio Cup France, Clio Cup Italia and Clio Cup Spain calendars have been carefully planned out to create the Clio Cup Europe calendar and at the same time guarantee large grids that are more competitive than ever.

Each meeting will have separate classifications according to the entries of each national series while the general classification will serve to attribute points in the Clio Cup Europe. The latter will thus offer the most ambitious competitors a total of 15 rounds for 30 races, but only the 20 best results (the equivalent of 10 race weekends) will be counted to designate the first winner Clio Cup Europe winner.

Unparalleled support

The five series will benefit from Renault Sport Racing’s excellent standards, which have been the key to success for Clio Cup France for several decades.

These will be expressed in particular through identical sporting and technical formats at all the meetings, an attractive bonus and prize system distributed equitably over all the races, but also by ensuring fairness, which has become the hallmark of the most famous one-make cup.

In addition, competitors will continue to be entitled to a range of products and services included in their entry : Renault driver suit and apparel, access to the Renault Sport Racing hospitality, unrivalled technical support from Renault and Michelin as well as a spare parts shop on site at all the events, among many others.

Spa times three

To celebrate three decades of Clio Cup, an extraordinary round of three non-championship races will be held during the summer in support of the world-renowned 24 Hours of Spa.

More akin to Endurance, this event will consist of three 30-minute practice sessions before a single half-hour qualifying session. The battles then promise to be spectacular on this iconic circuit with three 45-minute races.

The result of each race will determine the starting order for the following race just until the final one, when the drivers will be keen to impress in the curtain raiser to the twice-around the clock Belgian classic.

Just a few weeks away from celebrating the 30th anniversary of the category and the 55th anniversary of the Renault 8 Gordini Cup, everything is set for an epic Clio Cup season in 2021 !

For more information, check out the guidelines available here.