Paul Streather has announced he will switch to the Ashford based WDE Motorsport team for the 2017 Renault UK Clio Cup season.
Streather finished seventh overall with the Finesse Motorsport squad in his debut season in the championship in 2016 with one race victory – in the very first round at Brands Hatch.

He commented: “I’ve tested with WDE and, with them, I’ll have full-time team-mates to compare data with which is bound to bring me on more as a driver. They also have vast experience of running the UK Clio Cup race car.

“I really want to thank Finesse though for the effort they put into me in 2016 and leaving has been a bit of a wrench. They are a fantastic bunch of people and I’ll always remain friends with them.”

As in 2016 he will continue to be sponsored by the Michael Smith Switchgear company. He enthused: “Looking ahead I’m raring to go with some pre-season testing with WDE and the opening two rounds in early April on the Brands Hatch Indy circuit – it’s WDE’s local track, it’s my favourite track and of course it holds great memories for me from 12 months ago.”

WDE Team Principal Wayne Eason said: “Paul’s signature really adds to the driving force of WDE in 2017 – in 2016, still new to the championship, he became a winner and showed great race craft and that he’s one of the best overtakers in the business.

“Building on his experiences from 2016 we believe we have the set-up to see him emerge as a genuine title challenger in 2017. We look forward to announcing at least two more drivers in the near future.”