A track as iconic as it is atypical in motorsport, Zandvoort lived up to expectations when it returned to the Clio Cup calendar just over a year ago. With its unique challenges, including two impressive banked corners and unpredictable weather, the Dutch circuit should once again offer thrilling battles as the competitors prepare to embark on their final sprints.

The turning point in Clio Cup Europe ?

Clio Cup Series, Clio Cup Europe and Clio Cup France leader, David Pouget (GPA Racing) has an opportunity to put the hammer down in Zandvoort. While the French driver has a comfortable lead pointing to an imminent coronation in the Clio Cup Series, the battle is fiercer on the European scene. He looks to extend his lead over Gabriele Torelli (Rangoni Corse) and Anthony Jurado (Milan Compétition), but the Italian and the title holder are determined to regain the upper hand as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Nicolas Milan (Milan Compétition) and Tomas Pekar (Carpek Racing) will target victory to stay in contention, whilst Jerzy Spinkiewicz (Uniq Racing) tries to continue his upturn in form highlighted by his maiden Clio Cup Series win last Saturday.

Adrian Schimpf (AST Competition) could take his first step towards the Challengers Cup title, but the competition led by his twin brother Alejandro Schimpf (AST Competition) and Jacopo Giuseppe Cimenes (Essecorse) could thwart his plans. The Spaniard will also have to keep an eye on Guillaume Maio (GM Sport), while Damiano Puccetti (Rangoni Corse) and Julien Baziret (Baziret Sport) will have to get ahead of him if they are to keep their hopes alive. Already seen at the Nürburgring, Mariano Alonso (GPA Racing), Mathias Dall (Dall Racing), and Martijn Kool (Kool Racing) return with the desire to impress, especially as the latter will be racing on home soil.

Dutchmen Rene Steenmetz (AST Competition) and Stephan Polderman (AST Competition) will be banking on their home track knowledge to take the Racers Cup lead from Luca Franca, who will be sitting out this weekend. Frenchman Lionel Viguier (T2CM) shares this goal in a category where Benjamin Cauvas (GPA Racing), Quinto Stefana (Milan Compétition) and Gabriel Alonso (GPA Racing) could still spring a surprise. Michel Faye (GM Sport) and Udo Brenner (LCB Racing) complete the field, with the hope of being in the mix at the sharp end of their class.

Three titles at stake in Clio Cup Mid-Europe

The first regional group to reach its conclusion, the Clio Cup Mid-Europe promises two intense races for the remaining titles contenders. Gabriele Torelli arrives in Zandvoort with a 24-point lead over Anthony Jurado, but this gap increases to 36 points with the worst result dropped before the season-finale. With a maximum of 100 points available, there are several possible scenarios while Tomas Pekar and Andreas Stucki (Stucki Motorsport) will try to end their campaign on a high.

Challengers Cup leader Nikola Miljkovic will be absent due to an off-track incident. With 50 points at stake and 34 points behind, Damiano Puccetti could steal the crown from his Serbian rival if he finishes at the front of his category on Saturday and Sunday. However, the Italian will have to shine in a field which includes Guillaume Maio, Henrik Seibel (Carpek Racing), Julien Baziret and Daniel Nyffeler (Stucki Motorsport), all determined to finish in style along with Eduardo Miranda (Uniq Racing), who raced at the Red Bull Ring and will not be eligible for points.

Lastly, the Racers Cup title duel will pit Rene Steenmetz against Stephan Polderman, both competing on home soil. With a 39-point lead, the former could be crowned champion if he finishes race one or if his teammate and rival fails to reach the chequered flag.

Completed with the debut appearance of Norway’s Knut Eirik Knudsen (TF Performance), a former karting hopeful who has excelled in single-make racing in Denmark, the field will gather for collective tests on Friday before a qualifying session and a race on Saturday and Sunday. Both races will be streamed live on the Renault Clio Series Facebook page and YouTube channel.

TIMETABLE

Friday 13 October
11:55-12:25 : Collective tests 1
16:50-17:20 : Collective tests 2

Saturday 14 October
10:55-11:15 : Qualifying 1
16:35-17:10 : Race 1 (25 minutes + 1 lap) | Facebook | YouTube

Sunday 15 October
9:00-9:20 : Qualifying 2
11:55-12:30 : Race 2 (25 minutes + 1 lap | Facebook | YouTube

Entry list