Paul grabs podium finish at Oulton

Paul ended the 2003 season with another podium finish for Team Boulevard Racing at Oulton Park. The final round of the championship had the potential to be a real 'demolition derby' style affair, with Jonathan Fildes already crowned as Paul's successor as Elf Clio Renaultsport UK Cup Champion. However, these fears were proved unfounded, with just the familiar rubbing of bodywork that has come to be associated with the ultra-competitive series.

In a wet qualifying session, Paul set the early pace, lapping quickest at the start of the session. He along with the majority of the field changed to slick tyres part way through the session, but only a couple of drivers managed to complete a lap at just the right time, before the rain started to fall again. At the end of the 20-minute session, Paul had secured a 2nd row grid spot with the 4th fastest time.

Conditions were better for Sunday's race, with a much drier track bringing no problems in selecting which tyres to use. As the drivers fought for position after the lights went green, Paul was victim of a fast-starting Neil Waterworth, who came around the outside of the grid, only to move across in front of Paul, slowing his progress and sending the Xcel Motorsport driver spinning.

After dropping several places as a result of the start-line incident, it did not take Paul long to start moving through the pack once more. He was soon back up to third position, before losing out to an ambitious move by Eoin Murray at the hairpin.

A couple of laps later and Paul's pace was evident once more. This time it was Ian Curley whom he passed in getting back to third. Paul spent the remaining laps closing on Oli Wlikinson, but the chequered flag came before he could catch the second placed driver. Jonathan Fildes was unchallenged at the front after making a quick getaway at the start of the race.

Paul commented, "That was a tough race but it was good fun to drive in. It was unfortunate that I got caught up with Waterworth at the start, because that dropped me to about eighth I think. I made it back up to third but then Eoin Murray hit me when he went for a gap that just wasn't there. That bent the front-right hand wheel in and slowed me a bit for the rest of the race."

"I made a good move on Ian Curley down at the chicane to get third place back. I recorded the race and I've watched it since - I was quite impressed by that move!"

With the announcement that Paul has signed with Boulevard Team Racing for both the winter series in October/November and for another full assault on the Clio Cup next year, his thoughts are already turning to the next races: "These last few races have been good preparation for the winter series and for the full championship next year. Boulevard are a great team and I'm already settled in here. We've already got the car working well, and once we've made a few more changes, it should be very good."

NEXT RACES Clio Cup 2010 Rnds 17 & 18 Silverstone 18/19 Sep