May 18, 2001
PEARSON IN LINE FOR MONACO RACE
Renault Clio V6 racer, Rick Pearson may contest the Monaco Grand Prix support race next weekend after being called up as second reserve for round two of the European Clio Trophy.
"I narrowly missed out on an automatic entry when pre-qualifying took place at Monza in March," he said, "so I'm delighted to have been given this chance, not least because it means I am the only Briton short listed for the event. Because it's only turned into a racetrack twice a year- once for the Grand Prix and sometimes for the Monte Carlo Rally- only a small number of drivers ever get to race around the streets of the principality. I'm honoured to think that I may be one of the few who get to experience it firsthand."
Although the final entry list has yet to be announced, Pearson and his Mark Fish Motorsport team will spend the week in Monaco preparing to race.
"After pre-season testing and round one at Monza, we have a good idea of what the Clio V6 is capable of, said Pearson. "It's very powerful for a small car but the responsive steering and short wheelbase should make for a lot of fun around the tight and twisty streets. The close proximity and unforgiving confines of the circuit will be a great challenge and hopefully, extremely entertaining."
Team boss, Mark Fish
will be returning to Monaco for the first time as a team owner after competing
in the principality during his own racing career.
"I have many fond memories of Monaco as a driver," he commented. "To go
back after eleven years, is something that I am definitely looking forward
to. It will be especially rewarding for me to be there with my own team
and with Rick, as I know that this was his ultimate goal."
The final list of entries for round two of the Renaultsport Clio Trophy will be announced on Wednesday, May 16. Updates will be available throughout the week at www.cliosport.com. Rick Pearson will be racing with ActiveShop.com, Freeparking.co.uk and Mintex.
Pearson misses out on Monaco ride Racing series
European Clio V6 runner, Rick Pearson has narrowly missed out on a grid spot for the Monaco Grand Prix support race after being invited to the principality as second reserve. The Mark Fish Motorsport runner was given the reserve slot following a strong performance in the pre-qualifying event, held during round one of the championship two months ago.
"I'm bitterly disappointed that I won't get to race at Monaco this year," Pearson said, "but the track is only licensed for thirty cars, and thirty-two out of the thirty-four invited arrived. As number thirty-one we just missed out. We'll be back next year though, hopefully with a title sponsor for a proper assault."
Pearson will next race in round three of the Renaultsport Clio Trophy, to be held at Spa-Francorchamps, June 9-10.