The Renault Clio R.S. V Cup is one of iRacing’s most approachable touring cars, designed to deliver close racing and easy-to-learn dynamics. With just 180 horsepower from its 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, the Clio isn’t about raw speed—it’s about momentum, consistency, and smart pack racing. For beginners, it’s a perfect introduction to front-wheel-drive racing and the fundamentals of close competition.
Driving Tips
Because the Clio lacks the horsepower of higher-level cars, maintaining corner speed is the single most important factor for success.
- Corner Entry: Brake earlier than you might expect and release smoothly to keep the front end planted. Stabbing the brakes too hard can overload the front tires and lead to understeer.
- Mid-Corner: Focus on rolling speed through the apex. Carrying momentum here will have a bigger effect on lap time than any straight-line acceleration.
- Corner Exit: Use the throttle as a tool. Apply power progressively to help rotate the car and reduce understeer, but avoid sudden inputs that could scrub speed.
The Clio is forgiving enough to allow experimentation, making it a great platform to learn the importance of precision and rhythm.
Setup Tips
While the Clio’s baseline setup is already balanced, a few small adjustments can make it more comfortable and responsive for beginners:
- Rear Anti-Roll Bar: Increase stiffness slightly to promote rotation and help counter understeer.
- Front Camber: Adding a bit more negative camber improves grip in long corners and helps keep the front tires from overheating.
- Brake Bias: Keep it slightly forward for stability under braking, especially in heavy draft packs.
These adjustments won’t transform the Clio into a different car, but they can give you an edge in comfort and consistency over longer races.
Racecraft
The Clio R.S. V Cup is a pack racing machine. With limited horsepower, races are often decided in the draft and by smart positioning rather than outright speed.
- Drafting: Stay tucked into the slipstream whenever possible. Breaking away alone is nearly impossible, so work with the pack.
- Overtaking: Plan moves in slipstream zones, timing your runs to complete passes into braking areas. Avoid side-by-side fighting in the middle of packs unless you’re certain you can make it stick.
- Defending: Hold predictable lines. Aggressive blocking usually slows both cars and risks dropping you to the back of the group.
Patience and strategy are key. Often, it’s better to wait for the right opportunity than to force a move too early.
The Renault Clio R.S. V Cup is a beginner’s dream: lightweight, forgiving, and a fantastic teacher of racing fundamentals. By focusing on momentum driving, making small setup tweaks, and mastering the art of pack racecraft, you’ll gain skills that carry over into every other class in iRacing. More than just an entry-level car, the Clio offers some of the most exciting wheel-to-wheel battles in the sim, capturing the spirit of grassroots touring car racing.
