Renault Cup: separation of the Clio models
SEPARATE CLASSES At their general meeting, the drivers from the Renault Classic Cup decided to subdivide the various Clio models. This may have consequences in 2020. The Renault Clio II and RS III Cup have always been scored together. Only the newer Clio RS IV Cup with 1600cc turbo engines race and score in a separate class. Subject to the [...]
The Renault Clio II and RS III Cup have always been scored together. Only the newer Clio RS IV Cup with 1600cc turbo engines race and score points in a separate class. Subject to the official approval of the Cup regulations by Auto Sport Schweiz, there will be a division into three classes within the Cup from 2020.
Clio II at an advantage
This was agreed by the active drivers at their general meeting and drivers' meeting last Saturday. In doing so, the Clio III owners outvoted their club colleagues with the older Clio IIs. In order to score full points for the championship, a minimum of five participants per class will be required in the future, otherwise there will be deductions.
The big advantage of the Clio II is the significantly lower weight, which can hardly be made up with the Clio RS III despite better brakes, more aero and a little more power, especially on the mountain against a top chauffeur like Philipp Krebs. Newcomer Michael Schläpfer also went straight to the top with a "deuce," and Patrick Gerber also won three of the four rounds at Hockenheim in the absence of champion Philipp Krebs.
What if...
If this passage had already applied in 2019, Thomas Zürcher and not Krebs or Schläpfer would have become champion. Zürcher scored four times in the two circuit races with his Clio IV. Considering only one opponent (Marcel Müller) compared to the Clio suckers too good, many think.
In the last five races, the five-time Cup winner then got into the action with a rented Clio RS III, inflicting the only defeat of the season on Krebs in Les Rangiers. This return to the Classic Cup was not planned, however, but after the accident with the Tatuus-Abarth in Anzère, the Bernese wanted to race again straight away.
Master car for sale
Philipp Krebs was unbeatable for all the others with his proven Clio II and deservedly took the championship title. At the same time, he secured the overall victory in the Swiss Mountain Cup, for which this internal subdivision will not play a role in 2020 because all Cup Clios with a displacement of up to two liters will be scored together for this sub-score.
Whether Krebs will defend the two titles is uncertain. The champion car is for sale, but only at a top price. After that, he would consider switching to a Clio III or IV.
Since no serious offers have come in so far, Krebs will most likely compete again with the champion car.
Now the class strength counts
Krebs can still win, but can only score full points for the Cup if there are enough Clio IIs on the grid. Although the number of Clio IVs will increase, this sword of Damocles continues to hang over the newer models as well.
There are enough of the "threes," on the other hand. As Thomas Zürcher returns to the race cars with the Tatuus-Abarth repaired and optimized at Jenzer Motorsport, he leaves the Clio III class to his colleagues again. The latter now have a better chance in the title fight under the new rules.
Nürburgring instead of Hockenheim twice
At their drivers' meeting, the active club members also determined their race program for this year. This includes the same slaloms and hill climbs as in 2019. They will kick off the season on April 4 in Interlaken.
The Renault drivers will complete the first circuit race from April 17 to 19 at the "Prize of the City of Stuttgart" in Hockenheim. The second circuit race is then at the Nürburgring in mid-June.
As a novelty, a kart race in Fimmelsberg on May 9 counts towards the Cup, with all participants being credited with ten points towards the championship.
A lot of prize money for a private championship
A look at the prize money for 2019 shows that participation in the Clio Classic Cup is worthwhile. Thanks to a number of sponsors and other income, more than 16,5000 Swiss francs were paid out. 4500 francs gross went to champion Philipp Krebs alone. In addition, there were valuable non-cash prizes from tire partner Yokohama.
With 18 classified, 2019 was one of the best years ever. With Jürg Brunner, Brian-David Prina (graduate of the Swiss Race Academy 2018) and Dario Zutter, three new young drivers have signed up for 2020.
