Josh Files bolstered his bid for the 2013 Renault UK Clio Cup title after rounding-out the weekend at Hampshire’s high-speed Thruxton circuit with a third place finish on Sunday (5 May).

A time of 1m25.214s guaranteed the Norwich-based racer of a front-row start for Round 6 of the 2013 Clio Cup season.

However, the Vocalink-backed driver lost ground away from the start once again, getting bogged down and falling to fourth as the field streamed through the Campbell, Cobb, Segrave complex for the first time.

The 22-year old emerged from a huge gaggle of cars to move back up to the podium places at the expense of Jake Giddings on lap four, before bolting himself to the rear of race-one winner Lee Pattison in second.

The determined Files applied the pressure but was unable to displace Pattison, who hugged the racing line in an admirable bid to defend his position.

However, well aware that points win prizes, Files was delighted to achieve third place and propel himself to within three points of multiple Clio Cup Champion, Paul Rivett in the Drivers’ standings.

“We came to Thruxton to close the gap in the championship by racking up the points and that’s exactly what we’ve done,” said a delighted Files. “We have been quick as well as consistent, taking four podiums from as many races.

“To be honest, the Brands Hatch Indy and Donington Park circuits were going to be the most difficult ones for me, so I’m looking forward to the next rounds. I always go well at Oulton Park, I love Croft and Snetterton is my home circuit. We should be able to keep up this momentum.”

Rounds 7 and 8 of the Renault UK Clio Cup get under way at Cheshire’s scenic Oulton Park circuit on 8-9 June.

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