- Pearson set to graduate into the Michelin Clio Cup Series with Westbourne Motorsport.
- The former JSCC entrant will pilot a 2.0 litre, third generation Clio Cup machine in the championship’s Race Series.
- Pre-season testing well underway with mileage clocked at circuits including Silverstone.
Westbourne Motorsport have added experienced junior racer Ronan Pearson to their Michelin Clio Cup Series line-up for 2018.
Pearson, who made his podium breakthrough in the Junior Saloon Car Championship behind the wheel of a Citroen Saxo VTR last season with the Worthing-based outfit, will graduate to the championship’s Race Series and pilot a 2.0 litre, third generation Clio Cup car used in the support of the British Touring Car Championship until 2013.
The rising talent has benefitted in the past from the experience of Westbourne’s in-house driver coach Ed Pead along with BTCC race winner and ITV Sport pundit Paul O’Neill.
His winter testing programme began in earnest alongside his new team-mates Ben Colburn, Finlay Robinson and Sean Thomas last week, with mileage undertaken at Rockingham, Snetterton and Silverstone – the same venue the championship will get underway at on 24-25 March.
Pearson’s new machinery has a rich history, having been newly-built to the highest standards and driven by multiple Renault UK Clio Cup champion Mike Bushell during the third-generation Clio’s final year of competitive action.
The young talent is keen to draw on Westbourne’s technical infrastructure and driver development capabilities to enjoy a strong first season in the category.
Ronan Pearson said, “I’m feeling very positive. This is a big change after spending the past two seasons in the JSCC, but it’s a step up I believe I’m ready for. I’m very fortunate to have been given this fantastic opportunity by my family and sponsors.
“Moving into the Michelin Clio Cup Series was always on the horizon for 2019 but having looked at the various possibilities during 2017 and, having held several positive discussions with Richard Colburn, we decided to try and put a program together and everything has progressed very well.
“I’ll be the youngest driver on the grid but that doesn’t faze me at all. After aligning my 2017 JSCC programme with Westbourne, I quickly knew they were the right place to be for my future development and to achieve my aspirations. They are one big family and make you feel comfortable – there is an obvious passion here for Motorsport and Driver development. As a driver it’s important to be happy in your surroundings and I’m delighted to be part of the team.
“Testing has been great so far, we’ve had four days in the car in mixed conditions but I’ve adapted well and I’m definitely in a good place ahead of the season opener. We haven’t done a run on slick tyres yet so there is more pace yet to be unlocked. The car itself is awesome and gives you both excellent feedback and the confidence to push. Jumping into this from the Saxo is obviously night and day, but I’ve surprised myself how quickly I’m confident with it.
“This season I’m aiming to be competitive and to learn every time I’m out on circuit. I intend to make the most of this opportunity. We wanted to start afresh this year with a blank canvas so it’s all new; the car, championship, some fantastic new sponsors on board and the Michelin Clio Cup Series is the best place for me. I can’t wait to get to Silverstone in March.”
Richard Colburn, Team Principal said, “Ronan has adapted very quickly to the Michelin Clio Cup Series race car having come straight from the Junior Saloon Car Championship. It’s a big step up but in testing he has shown great pace already and a real confidence with the new car, and with so many podium challengers in the team 2018 is going to be really exciting for Westbourne”