Just as atypical and spectacular as the Clio Cup is, the Ricardo Tormo Circuit offers fast, technical and varied sequences with its counter-clockwise track set within a true arena of infrastructure. In this unique atmosphere well known to MotoGP fans, the tension promises to escalate among the Spanish competitors determined to excel on home soil whilst their European counterparts take a well-earned break before an intense summer on Europe’s finest tracks.

Two-time Jarama winner Alex Royo (Team VRT) heads to Valencia atop the Clio Cup Spain classification, but the 2017 winner is only ten points clear of the chasing pack. With seven podium finishes between them this year already, young hopeful Alex Lahoz (Cotauto Motorsport) and experienced racer Jordi Palomeras (Team VRT) are now aiming for their first win to dislodge their countryman. However, they will not be alone in their quest. Nico Abella wants to keep up the momentum of his brace of victories at Magny-Cours and the Chefo Sport driver-owner also has his sights set on taking the lead in the Challengers Cup as Alex Lahoz, Jordi Palomeras and himself are covered by just four points.

Other competitors, who are gradually coming into their own, will be closely watched : Turkey’s Emre Can Ünal (Team VRT) and his teammate Lydia Sempere (Team VRT). Supported by the Renault Group Fundación España, a force for inclusion and solidarity, the Spanish driver will be racing on home soil and in front of her home crowd this week to continue shattering taboos and demonstrate that passion for competition can overcome any hearing impairment.

The Valencia meeting will also see the reunion of twins Adrian and Alejandro Schimpf, both driven by their sibling rivalry within Cotauto Motorsport and their desire to shake up the Clio Cup Spain hierarchy. They will also support Hugo Hernandez, one of the two newcomers of the weekend with Alejandro Iribas (Chefo Sport).

Lastly, the battle will resume in the Gentlemen Drivers Cup, where Frenchman Fabien Julia (LR Performance) will look to extend his unbeaten record this year versus his Spanish rivals led by Joaquin Rodrigo (Vearsa Sport). In his first appearance of the season, Javier Cicuendez (Team VRT), with his flamboyant style that has already created a few surprises in the Clio Cup, could also be a factor !

Markel De Zabaleta, Director of Motorsport Communications Renault España : "This year, we are celebrating the 54th edition of the Copas Nacionales Renault in Spain through the Clio Cup Series, which is a true springboard in motorsport. The fifth generation of the Clio Cup is a great success, and the fairness in force, both technical and sporting, makes the difference and allows the category to be the best touring car championship in Spain. This is how Carlos Sainz, Luis Villamil and Luis Pérez Sala, among others, have been able to start their winning careers with Renault. Meanwhile, we continue to work to attract more and more drivers from the karting world and to support programmes with our Renault Group Fundación España, as we are doing with Lydia Sempere. We look forward to seeing you again for more spectacular racing in Valencia !"

Scheduled for Saturday at 3.20 pm and Sunday at 1.50 pm, both races from Valencia will be streamed live on the Renault Clio Series Facebook page and the Renault Clio Series YouTube channel.

TIMETABLE

Friday 10 June
1:05-1:35 pm : Collective test 1
5:45-6:15 pm : Collective test 2

Saturday 11 June
11:10-11:30 am : Qualifying 1
3:20-3:50 pm : Race 1 (25 minutes + 1 lap) | Facebook | Youtube

Sunday 12 June
10:30-10:50 am : Qualifying 2
1:50-2:20 pm : Race 2 (25 minutes + 1 lap) | Facebook | Youtube

Entry list