Natalie Barratt (Alderley Edge, Cheshire) will become the only female competitor in the 2004 ELF/BTE Lawline Renault Clio Cup when she makes her return to the category this weekend (8th/9th May) for rounds five and six of the championship at Silverstone International Circuit.

The 29-year old, who will renew her partnership with Hampshire-based Aurok Motorsport having raced with the team during the final round of the 2003 season and also last November’s Winter Cup, is certain to appear in at least four of the remaining eight meetings with a fifth outing a possibility if her Junior World Rally Championship commitments allow.

At present, Barratt is competing in a Renault Clio Super 1600 car in the JWRC having raced in an MGZR Super 1600 in the Monte Carlo Rally in January. She also contested last month’s Rally New Zealand in a Mitsubishi Evo VIII but Barratt says she’s switching her attention more to front-wheel drive rally competition now, as opposed to the four-wheel drive Mitsubishi.

On her return to the ELF/BTE Lawline Renault Clio Cup, Natalie commented: “I’m really looking forward to being back in the Clio Cup and the main reason I’m back circuit racing is to help my asphalt driving. Realistically I want to do my own thing and stay out of the way of any trouble as the more time I can have out on track the better for my experience.

“Last year, the Clio Cup races were the only ones I enjoyed. I haven’t been round the International Circuit at Silverstone for many years so it should be good fun – I’m really looking forward to it.”

Aurok Motorsport’s Jules Phillips added: “I’m absolutely delighted Natalie is back in the championship which is great news for us as a team and also for the category itself. She really enjoyed her outings in the Clio Cup last year and is very happy she’s able to fit several of the remaining races around her JWRC schedule.”

Barratt will join Aurok Motorsport drivers Tom Onslow-Cole (New Malden, Surrey), Steve Wood (Ashleworth, Gloucestershire) and Matt Nicoll-Jones (Wyre Piddle, Worcestershire) for the pre-race Clio Cup test at Silverstone on Friday, 7th May. Her return to the series boosts the grid back up to 23 cars.

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