James Dorlin says he “couldn’t have asked for a better way to end my season” after wrapping up the 2016 Michelin Clio Cup Series title with a pair of top two finishes at Silverstone this past weekend.
Dorlin headed into the season finale in a two-way duel for the honours with Brett Lidsey, though a 22 point lead in the standings made him the clear favourite to emerge with the title.
The 17 year old got his weekend off to the perfect start in qualifying with a pair of pole positions, though a slow launch off the line would see him end the opening lap in third.
Despite a podium finish being enough to seal the championship with a race to spare, Dorlin was determined to fight his way back to the front around the Silverstone International circuit.
Working his way past his Westbourne Motorsport team-mate Sam Randon on lap five, Dorlin would then close down race-leader Lidsey and put him under some pressure.
While Lidsey took the race win at the flag, second place was enough to give Dorlin the title with a race to spare – Westbourne defending the crown they won with Luke Herbert last year.
For Dorlin, it marked a second championship in three years following his Junior Saloon Car success in 2014, and he capped off the year with a battling eighth win of the season in the Silverstone closer.
“I am absolutely over the moon – I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end my season. We have ended it in style and on the top step,” said Dorlin.
“This is a tough championship and although we have had eight wins it has been far from easy. The competition is so tough and Brett [Lidsey] pushed me right until the end.
“To repay all of my family, friends, sponsors and of course the team; a championship title is a fitting reward for everyone’s dedication and hard work.
“We know where we want to go moving forward now and it is great to have another championship under my belt.”
You can listen to full interviews with James Dorlin, plus more reaction from the stars of the Michelin Clio Cup Series, on BARC’s official iTunes channel.
