The world’s most famous single-make cup, which brings together more than 100 competitors each year since the introduction of its innovative pan-European format, is back. True to its values of performance, reliability, fairness and affordability, the discipline welcomes 30 protagonists to the Gers, where Clio Cup France and Clio Cup España will kick off the season.

New clashes in France

2022 Clio Cup Series super-winner and Clio Cup France reigning champion Nicolas Milan (Milan Compétition) returns to add more trophies to his impressive total of 15 titles. Not surprisingly, the driver-owner will face one of his fiercest adversaries in David Pouget (GPA Racing), who is determined to dethrone his rival and win his first title in France. While they are the early favourites, several competitors want to join the battle, starting with Alexandre Albouy (GPA Racing), winner of the 2022 Challengers Cup and fourth in the Clio Cup France last year.

The race to succeed Alexandre Albouy in the Challengers Cup will also begin at Nogaro. His team-mate Alexandre Finkelstein (GPA Racing) will try to set the pace, but he will have to contend with the likes of Aurélien Renet (JSB Compétition) and Mickaël Carrée (T2CM), who is back in the field after trying their hand at rear-wheel drive racing. GM Sport drivers Florian Coruble and Florian Venturi will also use their experience to upset the hierarchy in their first full Clio Cup campaign.

2021 French Gentleman Driver title-winner Laurent Dziadus (Team Lucas) will be aiming for the Racers Cup crown. However, the battle promises to be fierce with rivals such as 2021 European Gentleman Driver winner Lionel Viguier (T2CM) and Fabien Julia (LR Performance), who took top honours last year in Spain. Following several category successes, Jérémy Bordagaray (Milan Compétition) is back with loftier ambitions, as do Samuel Chaligne (T2CM) and Yann-Maël Navillod (GPA Racing). Lastly, Raphael Cuadrado (GM Sport) could disrupt the order on his debut, while Veenesh Shunker (T2CM) makes his long-awaited return to the Clio Cup.

Gaël Rostant (GPA Racing) and Cédric Delcroix (GPA Racing) also intend to use the experience they gained last year to create a surprise while completing the French field.

A new wave in Clio Cup España

Proud competitors for decades, the Clio Cup España protagonists will, as it always does, offer a race within the race. And this one promises to be extremely interesting as Alex Royo will not defend his title. Only one thing is sure : a new driver will add his name to the group’s list of laureates.

Twice runner-up and seven times third in Clio Cup España, Jordi Palomeras (Milan Competition) is the favourite of many observers, but the Girona native is expecting stiff competition. Among his rivals, he will have to deal with twins Adrian and Alejandro Schimpf (AST Competition), who have already enjoyed success. This trio will also compete for glory in the Challengers Cup, where Lydia Sempere (AST Competition) will battle on the track to continue her fight against discrimination towards people with hearing impairments. Newcomer Alejandro Romero (Team VRT) hopes to excel in his debut in a field where Javier Cicuendez (Team VRT) is another driver to look out for.

Lastly, the Racers Cup will offer some stout confrontations among veteran Michel Faye (GM Sport), the formidable Jérémy Bordagaray - racing on both fronts this weekend - and Sergio Casalins (Motorismo Racing Team), twice winner last year in the Spanish Touring Car Championship. Out of category, Mathieu Lannepoudenx (Milan Compétition) and Joaquin Rodrigo (Team VRT) return to the Clio Cup hungry for victory and fun.

The start of an exceptional campaign

Challenger Guillaume Maio (GM Sport), who finished in the French top ten last year, will also be on track to sharpen his driving and setups in preparation for his Clio Cup Europe and Clio Cup Mid-Europe fixtures. Stéphane Nevers (GPA Racing), who will be present for his traditional one-off stint at Nogaro, completes the field.

Other contenders in all categories will make their debut later in the season. Clio Cup Europe title holder Anthony Jurado (Milan Competition) will launch the defence of his crown in a fortnight at Monza, where Clio Cup Europe, Clio Cup Italia and Clio Cup Mid-Europe will kick off. With drivers only allowed to enter a maximum of two regional series, others will start their campaign in Italy, such as Andreas Stucki, Giacomo Trebbi, Jerzy Spinkiewicz, Luca Franca and Nikola Miljkovic, to name just a few of the more ambitious drivers who have already revealed their programmes.

Following the practice sessions on Friday and Saturday, the two races organised within the Nogaro Easter Cup meeting will be streamed live on the Renault Clio Series Facebook page and YouTube channel.

TIMETABLE

Friday 7 April
9:45-10:15 am : Free practice 1
2:40-3:10 pm : Free practice 2

Saturday 8 April
8:15-8:45 am : Free practice 1
11:15-11:45 am : Free practice 2
6:00-6:20 pm : Qualifying 1

Sunday 9 April
1:20-1:50 pm : Race 1 (25 minutes + 1 lap) I YouTube I Facebook

Monday 10 April
8:15-8:35 am : Qualifying 2
12:20-12:50 pm : Race 2 (25 minutes + 1 lap) I YouTube I Facebook

Entry list