Josh Files will throw caution to the wind as he attempts to close in on the championship lead during Rounds 9 and 10 of the 2013 Renault Eurocup Clio Championship at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya (19-20 October).
After being crowned Champion in the UK-based Clio Cup last weekend (12-13 October), a buoyant Files is now solely focused on the ever-intensifying Eurocup Clio Championship battle between himself, Massimiliano Pedala and Nicolas Milan.
Only four races remain on Spanish soil at Catalunya this weekend and Motorland Aragon on 2-3 November and the Norwich-based racer remains third in the standings with a 23-point deficit to series leader Pedala.
The 4.65km Circuit de Catalunya – the host venue of the Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix – is in a prime position approximately 30km outside of the majestic city of Barcelona.
Files has proven to be a master of adaptation in 2013, acclimatising swiftly to many of the Europe’s most renowned race tracks, each with their own individual challenges.
The 22-year old will once again face an uphill struggle to conquer the Catalunya circuit, which has an abundance of long straights and elongated sweeping turns, and ensure he remains in the title hunt going into the highly-anticipated season finale at Motorland Aragon (2-3 November).
“It’s the same old story with the Circuit de Catalunya, as I’ve completed precisely zero miles around there,” said Files. “Nevertheless, I believe we will have a competitive package and I can adapt to the circuit quickly to ensure I reduce the points deficit to Massimiliano Pedala before the final round at Motorland Aragon.
“Team Pyro has worked hard to develop the Eurocup Clio and really turned a corner ahead of the previous round at Paul Ricard by overcoming the niggling problems we’ve had to deal with all season long. It’s really a make or break weekend for my Eurocup title bid. I’m in a great position in the championship where I have absolutely nothing to lose by throwing caution to the wind and going for race wins. In fact I'll be gunning for pole positions so I can win from the front.”
Renault Eurocup Clio Championship qualifying is scheduled to begin at 11.20 on Saturday (19 October) with Round 9 at 16.55 later that same day and Round 20 at 12.15 on Sunday (20 October).
For more information on Josh Files' racing activities, please visit the official www.joshfiles.co.uk website, 'like' his Facebook page or follow @JoshFiles on Twitter.