Dan Zelos has switched teams from Ciceley Motorsport to WDE Motorsport for his second season in the Renault UK Clio Cup this year.
Zelos headed to the Clio Cup last season following two strong years in Ginetta Junior competition, securing a pair of top four points finishes.
It would prove to be a tough induction to Clio competition though, with a dramatic roll at Donington Park amongst plenty of misfortune through the season.
The 18 year old did show glimpses of his potential though, with three top six qualifying performances through the year and a best race result of seventh.
After speaking to a number of teams over the winter, Zelos has elected to join the WDE ranks, where he will benefit from the tutorship of three-time champion Paul Rivett.
“We’d been talking to WDE on-and-off for a while. I first met [Team Principal] Wayne Eason over a year ago, and he’s always been quick to sing my praises,” said Zelos.
“I want to thank Ciceley for giving me a great opportunity last year, but heading into my second season, I felt it was time for a new challenge.
“At this stage in my career, being able to work alongside somebody of Paul’s calibre will be hugely important to my development as a driver. You don’t win three titles by accident.
“Last year was certainly character-building for me – We showed flashes of form though and I was really beginning to get to grips with it all in the latter stages.
“Although we never seemed to have much luck on our side, that toughened me up mentally and I feel much more positive and stronger in myself going into my second season.
“The objective has to be to come out-of-the-blocks fighting fit, and I want to be regularly inside the top ten and targeting podium finishes by the second half of the season.”
Zelos is the second driver to jump ship to WDE for 2017, linking up with series race-winner Paul Streather who has joined from Finesse Motorsport.
“I think Dan will really benefit from the wealth of experience and fantastic team spirit here at WDE and I genuinely believe he can win races this year – with podium finishes at the very least,” said Eason.
Team manager Rivett added: “I’m delighted to welcome Dan to WDE. He is a very exciting young prospect and I’m really looking forward to assisting him to work his way up the grid.
“There’s no question that he is more than capable of podium finishes and, as a team, there is plenty that we can offer him.”
