New surprises in Valencia?

Atypical, much-appreciated and spectacular in the image of the Clio Cup, the Circuit Ricardo Tormo is known for its fast, technical and varied sequences with its counter-clockwise layout within a veritable arena. In this unique atmosphere familiar to MotoGP fans, tensions will rise between the Spanish competitors determined to excel on home soil and their European rivals as the season nears its conclusion.

The European title races liven up

David Pouget (GPA Racing) heads into a meeting for the first time this year atop the Clio Cup Europe leaderboard. After his victory and podium finish at the Red Bull Ring, the Frenchman, who is also on point in the  Clio Cup Series, will be determined to continue his impressive rise in form in Spain. Relegated to second place, Italy's Gabriele Torelli (Rangoni Corse) is nevertheless intent on retaking the lead while defending champion Anthony Jurado (Milan Compétition) will do his utmost to accelerate his comeback ahead of the final three rounds of the season. Meanwhile, France's Nicolas Milan (Milan Compétition) and Poland's Jerzy Spinkiewicz (Uniq Racing) will look to regain their positions at the sharp end of the order to keep their title hopes alive. 

Spaniard Adrian Schimpf (AST Competition) hopes to take advantage of his home advantage to extend his lead in the Challengers Cup over his closest rival, Serbia's Nikola Miljkovic (Tempo Racing Team). Italy's Jacopo Giuseppe Cimenes (Essecorse) and Damiano Puccetti (Rangoni Corse), along with Spain’s Alejandro Schimpf (AST Competition), will target their first wins to keep the crown in their sights while France’s Guillaume Maio (GM Sport) and Julien Baziret (Baziret Sport) will look to return to their winning ways to remain in contention. 

Rene Steenmetz (AST Competition) will target a brace of victories to take the lead from Racers Cup leader Luca Franca, who is skipping this weekend's action. The Dutchman isn't the only driver with this goal, as his teammate and countryman Stephan Polderman (AST Competition) and France's Lionel Viguier (T2CM) will also try to seize the opportunity to make up ground. Meanwhile, Italy's Quinto Stefana (Milan Competition), Spain's Gabriel Alonso (GPA Racing) and France's Michel Faye (GM Sport) will go all out with little or nothing left to lose.

Who will take the lead in Clio Cup España?

Ahead of the third of five meetings on the Spanish calendar, everything remains up for grabs in Clio Cup España, with Racer Jérémy Bordagaray (Milan Compétition) leading the general classification thanks to his double win at Magny-Cours. However, the Frenchman is followed closely by Adrian Schimpf, Alejandro Schimpf and Matthieu Lannepoudenx (Milan Compétition), all three of whom are also involved in an intense battle atop the Challengers Cup.

While the quartet is expected to be at the front, the battle promises to be breathtaking. In addition to their usual rivals, including Challengers Jordi Palomeras (Milan Compétition), Javier Cicuendez (Team VRT) and Lydia Sempere (AST Competition) along with Racers Joaquin Rodrigo (Team VRT), Alejandro Romero (Team VRT) and Michel Faye, several competitors will be making their first appearance of the year. Among them will be Alex Royo (Team VRT), Clio Cup España title-winner in 2017 and 2022, and Nico Abella (Chefo Sport), Spanish Challengers Cup title holder. The field will also include two drivers returning for the first time since 2020: Challenger Ivan Hernandez (Chefo Sport) and Racer Jean-Louis Carponcin (Teamalcar), winner of the Renault Super 5 GT Turbo French Cup in 1989!