After a brace of wins at Nogaro, then a pair of runner-up finishes at Magny-Cours, Nicolas Milan (Milan Compétition) heads to Circuit Paul Ricard in a familiar position : leading the general classification.

While the five-time Clio Cup France title winner promises to be as tough as usual, his rivals are far from calling it a day. On a track where he hasn’t always been at his best, the fiercest competition could very well come from his team-mates !

Coming off his two victories at Magny-Cours, Corentin Tierce (Milan Compétition) wants to keep the momentum going to reduce the gap to his team boss. After witnessing the successive doubles of Nicolas Milan and Corentin Tierce, Mathieu Lannepoudenx and Anthony Jurado also want to stride on to the top step of the podium. Both come to Castellet full of confidence after the podium result of the former and the win of the latter in the Clio Cup Spain last weekend.

While they have dominated so far this season, the Milan Compétition quartet is well aware that streaks do come to an end. Determined to win his first title in France, David Pouget (GPA Racing) is once again among the favourites, just like his team-mates Kevin Jimenez and Alexandre Albouy, who both made strong starts to the season.

In a very competitive field, as the first two races have shown, the slightest point is valuable. Dorian Guldenfels (TB2S) is resolute to defend his title behind the wheel of New Clio Cup by returning to the sharp end of the order. In the top ten in the general classification as well, Thibault Bossy (TB2S) will need to bounce back after retiring at Magny-Cours in order to rejoin the chase group, as will Jérémy Bordagaray (T2CM) following his disappointing weekend in the Burgundy region.

Sixth overall, Romain Boeckler (BRS Racing Team) wants to maintain his invincibility among the Juniors, but he will have to be wary of Doriane Pin (GPA Racing) at a track that she knows very well. His team-mate Julien Barbancon (BRS Racing Team) and Clément Chetcuti (GPA Racing) are also aiming for their first success, whereas Paul Cocaign (SRD Racing) will hope to be sharper after his circuit debut at Magny-Cours.

In the Gentlemen category, the fight promises to be awesome with four different drivers having won in four races. Currently in the lead, Mickaël Carrée (T2CM) want to increase his advantage, but Franck Niclot (GPA Racing), Laurent Dziadus (Team Lucas) and Samuel Chaligne (T2CM) are all set on impressing in the south of France while Fabien Rivals (GPA Racing) will be back in the field.

The competitors will have two practice sessions on Friday to find their marks with the New Clio Cup at Circuit Paul Ricard prior to a qualifying session and race on Saturday and Sunday. Both races will be aired on the Renault Sport YouTube channel as well as the Renault Sport Series Facebook page.

TIMETABLE

Friday October 2
13h30-14h00 : Private practice
17h20-17h50 : Free practice

Saturday October 3
11h20-11h40 : Qualifying 1
16h45-17h15 : Race 1 (25 minutes + 1 lap)

Sunday October 4
8h50-9h10 : Qualifying 2
13h05-13h35 : Race 2 (25 minutes + 1 lap)

Entry list