Slovenian driver Nik Štefančič moves from Twingo car to much faster Renault Clio for this season. He received a new car as a surprise on his 19th birthday and is looking forward to the newest challenge in his career.
Was it the best birthday present you ever got?
I was by far the best birthday present ever!
Did you have any idea you were getting a Clio V?
I had no idea, I only had a talk with my parents and Lema Racing boss Miro Marinšek about competing with their Clio V Cup in a couple of races this year – across different championships in Europe. I was very surprised.
For sure it´s a great present, but it´s also great responsibility to perform well. Are you looking forward for this challenge?
Of course, I’m looking forward to the challenge! It’s going to be something completely new for me and my parents and I can’t wait.
Tell us something about the car. Is it brand new?
It’s brand new, purchased from ASP d.o.o, a sole importer for Clio V Cup cars and Alpine cars in Slovenia.
Will you have any help from Clio experienced mechanics orengineers? Or are you planning to work on the car with same group of people as in Twingo cup?
It’s still going to be only me and my parents, with a little help from Lema racing, who are also going to look after Miha Primožič’s Clio, so we’re basically going to be team-mates.
How much experience do you have with Clio?
I raced with Clio at the end of last season in Italy. It was a great first weekend for me with Clio V Cup, I qualified 4th out of all the Clios and finished P3 and P2 in both races.
I know it´s early and we don´t know how strong the field will be, but what are your expectations and what results do you wish for?
I expect to finish 1st in Slovenian Championship, that’s the main goal. Other than that, I wish I would be able to fight for the podium places consistently within the ESET Cup races.
