Team Pyro’s Josh Files fought hard to take second place in Round 15 of the 2012 AirAsia Renault Clio Cup – the penultimate race of the season – around the world-renowned Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit.

Deciding which tyres to run in qualifying was a complete gamble on a greasy track but an inspired decision by Team Pyro to run a mix of slick fronts and wet rears helped Files set the pace almost straight out of the blocks.

Red-flag stoppages in response to two separate incidents demonstrated how treacherous conditions were, but the Norwich-based driver, backed by Direct Debit’s Big Break campaign, continued to drill in the two fastest times of the session to nab pole position for both of this weekend’s races.

The 21-year old lost the initiative to Scuderia Vittoria’s Stefan Hodgetts at the start of the first Clio Cup encounter but set about recording one fastest lap after another in a bid to reclaim the lead.

From lap five onwards, Files was bolted to Hodgetts’ rear bumper and briefly held the first place after tapping the former Clio Cup Vice Champion at the Druids hairpin on the penultimate lap.

However, the Norwich racer later decided to relinquish the position to ensure he finished in second to net another 28 points.

“It was a hard-fought race and Hodgetts wasn’t giving any room at all so I gave him a little tap at Druids to pass, but then he was about to return the favour one lap later so I decided to let him through,” said Files.

“We were right on his tail for the whole race and I think our car was better, bring on tomorrow! It’ll be another hard battle because Hodgetts is alongside again, so we’ll do the same and hopefully hold on to the win this time.”

Round 16 of the AirAsia Renault Clio Cup will get underway tomorrow (Sunday 21st October) at 14.40 and will be aired live on ITV4 and ITV4 HD.

For all information regarding Josh Files and his racing activity in the AirAsia Renault Clio Cup please view his Facebook page, or alternatively follow @JoshFiles on Twitter.