Speaking about getting behind the wheel of his new Renault Clio for some pre-season testing, Brett said: “I was surprised of how comfortable I felt jumping in such an Alien car, I tested a Pyro car the end of 2016 but this was the first outing in a car I actually own and from session 1 we were flying which shocked me to be honest I thought it would of taken a couple of sessions to get to grips with.

“Understanding new setups will be the time consuming factor as the gen 4’s run different suspension allowing for bump and rebound to be adjusted, other factors like the peddle box and flappy paddles will take some getting used to but the two outings I have had the transition feels very easy.”

Having made the move to race in Europe, Brett is looking forward to racing on some of the best known circuits.

He added: “I’m very excited, people forget that racing abroad is special, the tracks are bigger, faster and more rewarding plus the weather comes as a bonus so I feel very lucky to still get the chance to do what I love in a different country,

“On one hand I was gutted that we couldn’t contest a full season of the UK Clio cup but on the other hand I have seen it as a blessing as I can race abroad in the same category and get up to speed then come back next year and impress from the off.

“All sorts of opportunities can come from being liked by a potential sponsor to preferring it and contesting a full season next year abroad who knows, I just want to be consistent and fast.”

With the winter break now having come and gone, and testing underway Lidsey is loving being back behind the wheel.

“Yes after getting back in the car last week the itch is bigger than ever, but I do think a break is good, I’m a strong believer you can overdo it being in the car too much, every year I have come back faster and faster and I hope it continues this year, but it is time to get going again even my partner has said you’re really bored when racing season isn’t on and it’s starting to show.”