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Clio Cup Series: the Clio 5 Cup carrying on Renault’s great one-make legacy
By RobinB on 27 May 2025 Circuit / Race
The Clio Cup V, the racing version of the Renault Clio 5, is the sole car used in the Clio Cup Series. In 2025, this one-make championship is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and accessible formats in motorsport 😎
Organised for over 30 years by Renault, this single-make cup pits drivers against each other in identical cars, ensuring complete technical equality and consistently action-packed races. The target audience is broad: from enthusiasts looking to get started at a lower cost, to experienced drivers seeking a highly competitive championship 💪
ℹ️ This article will walk you through the technical specifications of the Clio 5 Cup, the 2025 calendar, the cost of a full season, the 2024 results, and why this series is a true springboard to GT championships.
A bit of history: the Clio Cup saga
The history of Renault's single-make cups began in 1966 with the legendary R8 Gordini Cup, the first manufacturer-backed promotional series launched in France. This competition accompanied the success of the Renault 8 Gordini and brought to light iconic drivers such as Jean Ragnotti, Jean-Pierre Jabouille and Bernard Darniche.
Renault then continued the tradition with the Renault 12 Gordini, followed by the famous Renault 5 Cups, and later developed other formats around the Spider and the Mégane.
The first Clio Cup was launched in 1991. From the start, it quickly became a benchmark in European motorsport. The formula was simple and effective: production-based cars, identical for everyone, manufacturer support, and a mix of serious competition with a friendly atmosphere 👍
The concept quickly spread internationally. In the 2000s, national Clio Cups emerged across Europe (France, UK, Italy, Spain…) and even in Brazil, Turkey, and Mexico 🌍
Since then, five generations of Clio Cup cars have raced on track, with remarkable continuity. The success has been so strong that some grids exceeded 40 cars, forcing Renault Sport to implement waiting lists at certain rounds 😲
The Clio Cup has seen dozens of promising drivers rise through its ranks and continues to play a key role in training future professional circuit racers. The current generation, the Clio Cup V (or Clio 5 Cup), launched in 2020, is based on the Clio R.S. Line, also used in rally and rallycross versions. Developed by Alpine Racing, it embodies over 50 years of Renault expertise in promotional racing series 🙂
The Renault Clio 5 Cup: Technical Specifications
The Clio 5 Cup, launched in 2020 and slightly restyled in 2024, is based on the production Clio 5 (R.S. Line trim). It’s a true race car, designed and built at Alpine Racing, featuring a welded roll cage and many reinforced or specific components. However, it still retains a significant number of production parts, which helps keep costs down and simplify maintenance 👍
Here are its main specifications:
In summary, the Clio 5 Cup stays close to the road-going version while delivering the performance and reliability of a proven race car. It’s a solid platform, designed to handle test sessions or race weekends without compromise.
It is sold new, ready to race, at a price of €48,000 excluding tax. At its launch in 2019, the price was set at €37,900 excluding tax. On the used market, Clio Cup V models currently range between €30,000 and €45,000 incl. tax, depending on year, condition, and options.
➡️ See all race car listings (Renault) on GoToTheGrid 😋
Championship Format and Sporting Regulations
The Clio Cup Series is a one-make championship built around a clear and coherent format. Created in 2022 by Renault Sport, it resulted from the merger of the four national Clio Cups then active (France, Italy, Spain, Central Europe) and the Clio Cup Europe.
All races count toward the Clio Cup Series standings, while also hosting regional series through shared rounds designed to ensure competitive grids.
ℹ️ Since 2022, the series has been promoted by Groupe Signature, in collaboration with Alpine Racing.
The championship brings together several cups under one umbrella:
- Clio Cup Series (Europe)
- Clio Cup France
- Clio Cup Italia
- Clio Cup España
- Clio Cup Mid-Europe
ℹ️ Each driver can score points in a maximum of two series (for example, Europe + one regional, or two regionals). It is also possible to enter races as a guest without scoring championship points.
The format is identical across all race weekends:
- Friday: Two 30-minute free practice sessions
- Saturday: One 20-minute qualifying session + one 25-minute + 1 lap race
- Sunday: One 20-minute qualifying session + one 25-minute + 1 lap race
All drivers race together on track, but standings are split into several categories:
- Overall
- Juniors: 23 years old or younger, without a racing record
- Challengers: drivers between 23 and 45 years old without a racing record
- Gentlemen: drivers over 45 years old without a racing record
Each category has:
- Its own separate classification
- A dedicated point system (25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1)
- Prize money awarded at each race
- End-of-season rewards, which can be combined with overall standings 😋
It’s also worth noting that a generous prize system is in place: over €270,000 in total prizes will be awarded during the 2025 season, rewarding both race and championship winners. The Clio Cup Series champion will even be offered either a brand-new Clio Cup V or a half-season in the Alpine Europa Cup (GT championship on the Alpine A110), allowing them to continue their ascent through the Renault/Alpine ladder. All strong incentives for drivers beyond just sporting prestige 🤩
ℹ️ Find all official regulations and information on the Clio Cup website.
📅 The 2025 Calendar: Nine Events Across Europe
The 2025 season will feature nine race weekends across Europe, for a total of 18 races on the calendar. The series includes iconic French circuits as well as stops in Italy, Spain, and Belgium 🔥
As per tradition, the season opener will take place at Nogaro (France) in April during the Easter Cups, while the grand finale will be held at Monza (Italy), the legendary temple of speed, in October. Among the highlights, we see the return of Valencia (Spain) and the first appearance of Dijon-Prenois with the fifth-generation Clio.
The table below outlines the 2025 calendar:
ℹ️ Official Clio Cup Series 2025 calendar. Each weekend includes two races (Saturday and Sunday). Events are shared with different regional Clio Cup championships, ensuring strong international grids.
Drivers and teams will have a busy season across these nine events, alternating between fast circuits (Monza, Spa) and more technical ones (Nogaro, Misano), under varied conditions. The summer break in August will be a welcome breather before the final sprint from Valencia to Monza. Spectators, meanwhile, can look forward to exciting action and wheel-to-wheel battles throughout this packed calendar 🥵
Also see : "Nova Proto NP02: The Perfect Balance Between Budget and Performance"
Budget: How Much Does a Clio Cup Race or Season Cost?
Renting from a professional team, you should expect to pay between €9,000 and €10,000 excl. VAT per race in the Clio Cup Series, depending on the services included 💶
This rate generally includes:
- Race entry fee
- Technical support
- Car rental
- Transport
- Consumables (tires, fuel, brakes, etc.)
- Sometimes coaching or a race engineer
⚠️ As always in motorsport, any damage remains the driver’s responsibility.
A private test session, often used for race preparation, costs on average €2,500 excl. VAT.
Championship entry fees remain stable compared to 2024:
- Clio Cup Series Europe (9 events / 18 races): €10,500 excl. VAT
- Clio Cup France / Italia / España / Mid-Europe (5 events / 10 races): €8,200 excl. VAT
- Double program (Europe + regional series): €12,000 excl. VAT
- Single-event entry (1 race weekend): €1,700 excl. VAT (includes race suit rental and one free tire)
ℹ️ A full “arrive & drive” season with a professional team costs around €100,000 excl. VAT (excluding crash damage and travel expenses). This estimate includes all 9 races of the European season and several test sessions.
A high amount, but significantly lower than GT or single-seater categories, making the Clio Cup one of the most affordable and educational formats in today’s professional motorsport scene 😉
The success of the Clio Cup Series is also due to its rigorous technical oversight, handled by Alpine Racing.
All cars are closely monitored: sealed engines, limited tires per regulations, non-adjustable dampers, regular scrutineering by the organizer… Nothing is left to chance to ensure complete fairness ⚖️
The result: races are extremely close, with sometimes over 20 drivers within the same second in qualifying. On track, battles are frequent, sometimes intense, but always under control 👮♂️
Another advantage: an integrated 4G network in the cars allows direct communication with race control. A real plus for safety and responsiveness during the event!
Also see : "Fun Cup: The competition where amateurs and pros meet"
🏆 2024 Results – Clio Cup Series
Clio Cup Series
- Overall: Gabriele Torelli (ITA, Rangoni Corse)
- Juniors: Damiano Puccetti (ITA, Rangoni Corse)
- Challengers: Guillaume Maio (FRA, GM Sport)
- Gentlemen: Mickaël Carrée (FRA, T2CM)
- Teams: Rangoni Corse (ITA)
Clio Cup España
- Overall: Damiano Puccetti (ITA, Rangoni Corse)
- Gentlemen: Samuel Chaligne (FRA, T2CM)
Clio Cup France
- Overall: Gabriele Torelli (ITA, Rangoni Corse)
- Juniors: Florian Venturi (FRA, GM Sport)
- Challengers: Calvin Comte (FRA, Comte Racing)
- Gentlemen: Mickaël Carrée (FRA, T2CM)
Clio Cup Italia
- Overall: Anthony Jurado (FRA, Rangoni Corse)
- Juniors: Leonardo Arduini (ITA, MC Motortecnica)
- Challengers: Alex Lancellotti (ITA, GPA Racing)
- Gentlemen: Cristian Ricciarini (ITA, Essecorse)
Clio Cup Mid-Europe
- Overall: Lorenzo van Riet (NED, Rangoni Corse)
- Juniors: Mauro Polderman (NED, AST Competition)
- Challengers: Lorenzo van Riet (NED, Rangoni Corse)
These results illustrate the diversity and competitiveness of the grid, with drivers from all over Europe and well-established professional teams.
Familiar names like Nicolas Milan and David Pouget are regulars in the series. Others, such as Maxime Martin, Éric Trémoulet, or Lilou Wadoux, started their careers here before moving on to GT, endurance, or works programs. The Clio Cup remains a key learning platform at all levels 🚀
Onboard Camera – Incredible Comeback from P43 to P4 by G. Torelli 😱
The Clio Cup – A Stepping Stone to the Alpine Cup or GT
Beyond the joy of competition itself, the Clio Cup is widely recognized as an excellent springboard to higher categories, especially GT championships 😋
Many drivers use the Clio Cup as a training step before moving on to more prestigious series. The skills developed at the wheel of the little Renault — managing a turbocharged FWD, pack racing, aggressive overtaking — are invaluable when progressing to more powerful machines 👍
The Clio Cup Series fits perfectly into Alpine Racing's driver development strategy. The series is an ideal platform to spot and support young talent. The winner of the European championship is offered a test in the Alpine A110 Cup, or even a half-season in the Alpine Europa Cup.
It’s a real gateway to GT racing, including GT4 and national-level championships. Many former Clio Cup drivers are now excelling in those arenas!
Clio Cup V Outside the Clio Cup Series
The Clio Cup V, fifth generation developed from the Clio 5, isn’t limited to the Clio Cup Series. Used since 2020, this modern version is still active in several independent national championships across Europe.
In the United Kingdom, the Clio Cup officially returned in 2024 after a four-year absence. It quickly became one of the most hotly contested national championships in the country.
- The car is delivered turnkey, straight from the Alpine production line.
- Technical fairness is ensured thanks to Alpine support and strict technical oversight.
- The championship is promoted by MotorSport Vision Trackdays (MSVT) and operated by MSVR.
- 14 races over 7 weekends, broadcast live on YouTube via the MSVT Racing channel.
Meanwhile, the Clio Cup Bohemia (Czech Republic, Slovakia…) also offers a national championship dedicated to the Clio V Cup. It operates outside the Clio Cup Series structure but follows a similar format and philosophy.
Lastly, many previous-generation Clio Cup cars still race in regional championships, trackdays, or amateur events across Europe. The community is very active, and the Clio remains a highly sought-after platform thanks to its value for money.
Conclusion
The 2025 Clio Cup Series is shaping up to be an intense, competitive, and opportunity-rich season, with packed grids, strong technical oversight, and attractive prizes.
Whether you’re an amateur driver, a rising talent, or a one-make racing fan, the Clio Cup V remains one of the most accessible and educational formats in modern motorsport.
The future beyond 2025 is still to be confirmed, but given the current success, grid depth, and team involvement, it’s hard to imagine a European grid without the Clio Cup 🙏
PS: A big thank you to Guillaume Maio (GM Sport) for his insights and feedback on the championship.
I'm Robin, 35, amateur driver and internet entrepreneur. I founded GoToTheGrid (GTTG) to create an intuitive platform dedicated to motorsport enthusia... See more
