Osborne showed real flashes of speed in 2017 with a best race result of fifth at Donington Park, a fastest lap at Oulton Park and 12th in the final standings.
With backing again from The Green Group, Wera Tools and Miss Perfect, the 24-year-old is eager to improve on his results with WDE which finished second and third in 2017’s championship with drivers Paul Rivett and Lee Pattison.
He commented: “Last season was a bit of a scoping exercise so I hope to put into practice what I learnt to good use with WDE. “I was very impressed with their set-up at last year’s season finale at Brands Hatch and now look forward to a full campaign with them and working with their three-time Champion and Team Manager Paul Rivett.”
Wayne Eason, Team Principal of Ashford-based WDE, said: “Sam’s a real asset to our team and in 2018 I envisage he will really develop as a competitor. He will also be very valuable in our quest for the Entrants Trophy which we came so close to winning in 2017.”
The 2018 Renault UK Clio Cup gets under way with its opening two rounds at WDE’s home circuit of Brands Hatch, Kent on Sat 7/Sun 8 April. All 18 of its rounds will take place at the British Touring Car Championship’s high-profile events meaning it appears in front of huge trackside crowds (38,500 on average in 2017) and also live on ITV4.
Renault Sport’s UK Motorsport Championship Manager Will Fewkes said: “It’s terrific to see Sam back for a second full season of UK Clio Cup – after some very promising performances in 2017 he could be ‘one to watch’ in 2018.”
