James Colburn is set to make his full time return to the Clio Cup championship with PP Motorsport.
The 24-year old enjoyed success with Westbourne when he raced for the team between 2010 and 2014, including a strong championship battle in 2011. Last season, he replaced Anton Spires at PP Motorsport for the final two rounds of the season.
“I’m very excited to be back full time after getting a taste for it again towards the end of last year and the aim for me has to be going for the title,” said Colburn.
“It’s not going to be easy – the grid is looking exceptionally strong this year with lots of top talent including karting champions and drivers with experience already of the championship such as Max Coates, Josh Price, and a few others. Personally, I’d pick out James Dorlin as one to watch.”
Colburn will have access to Westbourne’s Dorlin and Myles Collins’ data. Though he’ll be racing under the PP Motorsport banner, the team is run by Westbourne, and team principal John Creasy hopes to strengthen the ties between the two teams this season.
“We are extremely pleased to be not only renewing but strengthening our technical collaboration with Westbourne after a very good end to last season,” said John Creasey.
“And, of course, we are really excited to have James flying the flag for us. His track record in Clios is superb and he can, we are sure, put the PP car towards the front of the grid.”
Colburn has already begun testing with the new, more durable, Michelin tyres ahead of the start of the season next month. He backs Coates comments that drivers will be able to push for longer.
“I really like [the tyre],” he said. “And because it is faster and more durable then people will be able to push to the limit for a lot longer so I think that will make the racing even more interesting.”
Image credit: Renault UK Clio Cup
