Norwich’s Josh Files will line up on the front row of the grid in pole position for rounds one and two of the AirAsia Renault Clio Cup at Brands Hatch Indy circuit.
The 30 minute session of the UK’s premier one-make saloon car championship was full of drama however, as the 21 year-old damaged his Clio Cup racer in the early stages of the session whilst trying to avoid another competitor.
After a spectacular repair job to the front end of the car by Team Pyro, Files was unleashed into the remainder of the qualifying session with 17 minutes to go and immediately drew the plaudits by setting a fastest time of 52.323 seconds.
Due to the vast amount of talent that the series possesses, 2011 championship contender James Colburn fought back, setting a fastest time of 52.243 seconds, with under ten minutes to go. This was to no avail however, as Files snatched pole with four minutes to go with a lap of 52.091 seconds.
“Looking back at the session, calling it a shaky start would be a bit of an understatement, as I got a big front impact on cold tyres whilst trying to avoid another driver,” said Files.
“Luckily we were able to repair the car and set the quickest time of the session on our second run on new tyres. I’m feeling very confident ahead of this afternoon’s race and I know that we have the pace to be able to transform this display into victories.”
Round One of the AirAsia Renault Clio Cup will take place this afternoon at 16:45, followed by round two tomorrow at 15:00, 1st April.
(Image courtesy of Jakob Ebrey)