New Renault Trophy for UK

7th July 2011

By Anthony Peacock

Britain will benefit from two new one-make championships next year thanks to Renault, which is bringing its Twingo R1 and R2 cars to the British Championship.

The Twingos have been well-known over the last year in Britain, performing some giant-killing acts in the hands of flying Finns such as Matti Rantanen and Jarkko Nikara, who finished fifth overall on the Isle of Man Rally last year.

Renault is currently the only manufacturer to have a car homologated in all three of the FIA two-wheel drive classes: R1, R2 and R3. Renault will provide on-event support in the form a ‘Renault Village’ on each event, and there will be prize structure in place designed to help drivers progress through the ranks, with vouchers redeemable against parts.

Renault Sport Technologies Chief Executive Officer Patrice Ratti said: “The creation of a Trophy for the Twingo in the R1 and R2 categories makes me very happy. The series will help young rally drivers to compete in a national championship, at an affordable price.  This new trophy will reinforce the image of Renault in the UK market which is extremely important for our brand and where Renault Sport Technologies has been enjoying a constant growth in the recent years.”