Paul Rivett feels the WDE Motorsport squad “couldn’t have asked for more” from last weekend’s visit to Donington Park, which proved to be a landmark meeting for both team and driver in the Renault UK Clio Cup.
For Rivett, third and first place finishes in Leicestershire meant he reached the incredible milestone of 100 podium finishes in the Clio Cup, with those results also moving him to the top of the championship standings by thirteen points over Paul Streather.
Rivett’s 45th Clio victory came at the head of a first ever one-two finish for the WDE squad, with Charlie Ladell picking up a maiden Clio podium in second place – the maximum points score from the race extending their advantage at the head of the Entrants’ Trophy.
“It’s a mega weekend, the Tachosys car has been superb in every session. I can’t have asked for more than what we’ve achieved,” said an elated Rivett.
“Coming away leading the drivers and the teams championship, having taken my 100th podium and Charlie Ladell getting his first, it’s fantastic. I’ve been working with Charlie for a long time now and he’s deserved one well before now, but hasn’t had the luck.
“It’s so good for him and the WDE Motorsport team, and it shows how strong we’ve been this weekend – having started with all four cars in the top eight in testing on Friday.”
Rivett (#22) Was In The Thick Of The Action At Donington – Credit: Jakob Ebrey Photography
The meeting was by far WDE Motorsport’s best weekend yet in the UK Clio Cup with their first double podium finish, and Rivett is delighted to see all their hard work since joining the series starting to come to fruition.
“We’ve come such a long way as a team already. This is only the start of our third season in Clios as a team,” he reflected.
“Whilst it’s my eleventh season, it’s a different role for me now. I don’t just drive, I’m helping look after the team and the drivers, doing the car set up and everything.
“I really enjoy it. It keeps me busy and its hard work at times, but days like this make it all worthwhile and are so rewarding.”
Whilst Rivett appreciates the importance of consistency in any successful title challenge, having taken four podium finishes in the opening four races, the three-time victor is eager to back that up with more race victories – starting next time out at Thruxton.
“It’s always consistency that will win this championship and it has been won before without winning a race. I intend to win the title, and I intend to win a few races along the way as well,” he concluded.
“I love Thruxton. You have to be fast and committed there which I really enjoy and I’m can’t wait to race there again. We’ve been there a couple of times testing and we’ve been really fast as a team, so we’re expecting to be at the front again as we have been so far this season.”
