Multiple Renault UK Clio Cup race-winner James Colburn will return to the grid for the final two meetings of the 2016 season, starting this weekend at Silverstone (17/18 September).
Colburn was a full-time entrant in the championship between 2009 and 2014 with Westbourne Motorsport, before making a one-off outing last season at Thruxton with BKR.
The 23 year old’s return will come in place of Anton Spires at PP Motorsport, with Colburn having mentored Spires throughout his maiden Clio campaign as part of a technical partnership with Westbourne.
Colburn, who secured a double victory during a one-off Michelin Clio Cup Series outing earlier this month, has four top five championship finishes and seven race wins in the Clio Cup.
“Silverstone could be tricky – you need a team-mate to play ball with as the slipstream there is crucial. But I expect to be right towards the front at Brands Hatch, one of my favourite circuits,” said Colburn.
“If that means I’m running in company with the main players in the title race then so be it but they will be getting a race – PP have brought me in to a job, not to roll over for people. I’m out to get the best results I can for them.”
Colburn’s addition to the team comes as PP Motorsport look ahead to mounting a multi-car entry next season, with it planned for Colburn and Spires to be two of their drivers.
“This is part of our longer-term plan to enter three cars in 2017’s UK Clio Cup,” explains PP Team Principal John Creasey.
This will get James working with the team and our partners from behind the wheel and Anton will also continue to learn more from him, only this time from the outside looking in.
“We’ve enjoyed a very healthy technical partnership with Westbourne Motorsport in our first season in the UK Clio Cup. It has been a big learning curve but we are very pleased with the results we’ve had so far with Anton.”
