Rivett in dominate form at Donington

Paul overcame difficult conditions at Donington Park to take a dominant double in the opening meeting of the 2003 Elf Renault Clio Hill House Hammond Winter Cup. Quickest from the outset, he set the fastest time in free practice before qualifying on pole by over half a second. The first race, on Saturday afternoon, came shortly after a heavy downpour, which had left the circuit very slippery.

Despite the track conditions, Paul made a good start, transforming his pole-position in to the race lead at the first corner. Driving the Boulevard Team Racing prepared Clio, he soon built-up a commanding lead over second placed Steven Hunter, and the win was never in doubt.

"There's no such thing as an easy race in this championship", commented Paul. "The track conditions out there were about as slippery as you're ever likely to get. If you put a wheel wrong then it would be race over."

Race two came on Sunday is somewhat drier conditions, although threateningly thick black clouds continued to loom large above the circuit. Paul again made the lead his own before the pack went through Redgate for the first time, whilst a number of drivers failed to complete the first lap as a result of heavy contact at the start.

The safety car came out on track for three laps to allow the damaged Clios to be removed from dangerous positions. At the restart, Paul successfully defended his lead from Hunter, before opening up an impressive gap, without having to take any risks. It seemed as though a Boulevard Team Racing 1-2 may have been on the cards for a while, as Martin Johnson held second position for much of the race, only to lose out to Matt Allison in the latter stages of the race.

Speaking at the end of the weekend, Paul said, "It's been pretty good really. We were quickest in practice, half a second up in qualifying and then we've taken two race wins. It's just a shame I didn't get the fastest lap in the second race - then it would have been a complete clean sweep! I wasn't pushing hard all the way, but I assumed I'd got it! Hopefully we can go up to Croft next weekend at get two more wins. I'm really pleased to have got two good results for the team, and there's not a scratch on the car!"

Paul's almost-perfect weekend puts him firmly in the lead of the winter cup championship. The final two rounds take place at Croft, North Yorkshire next Saturday (1 October).

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