Both drivers are testing today at Kent’s Brands Hatch circuit where this season’s opening rounds will take place early next month (Sat 7/Sun 8 April).
Once again all rounds of the UK Clio Cup will take place at the British Touring Car Championship’s high-profile events – guaranteeing it huge trackside crowds (average 38,500 in 2017) as well as live free-to-air television coverage on ITV4.
Meanwhile GardX Protection, Terraclean and PP Motorsport have added to the Westbourne drivers' impressive list of sponsors. And Colburn believes his family-run outfit has its best chance yet of winning the Clio Cup title (he finished runner-up for it in 2011).
“There is absolutely no reason why we can’t be at the front consistently and bring home both titles (Drivers and Entrants) to Westbourne in 2018,” commented Colburn.
“Having worked with James since he was 16 it has been phenomenal to see him develop as a young driver and reach the standard he has so quickly. We get on great, he is like family to Westbourne and I feel now that we have the strongest driver line-up the team has ever had.”
He added: “The UK Clio Cup is the only real, established stepping stone into the BTCC, which has always been my dream. I’ve come very close to winning it before and if there is any title to aim for then it’s this one.
“Preparations over the winter have been very positive; as a team we’re definitely moving up to the next level and creating a really positive image. I still have some work to do physically, but mentally I’m feeling very strong. I have set plans for every weekend and I know what I have to do.”
Colburn becomes the latest star name to confirm their presence on 2018’s UK Clio Cup grid. A full entry list will be revealed during the championship’s annual Media Day event at Silverstone this Thursday (15 March).
Renault Sport’s UK Motorsport Championship Manager Will Fewkes said: “James’s undoubted talent and his sporting nature, too, make him a very popular figure in UK motor sport and it’s great to see him continuing in the UK Clio Cup. He and James Dorlin make for a very strong pairing and give Westbourne an excellent chance of success in 2018.”