Ashley won the BTCC title – the biggest prize in British motor sport – in Sunday’s final race of the season at Brands Hatch.

He becomes one of five drivers to have previously raced in the UK Clio Cup to finish inside the BTCC’s final top ten this year.

In fact drivers to have previously raced in the UK Clio Cup or in a Renault Sport UK category won 17 of this year’s 30 BTCC rounds and headed the times in seven out of ten qualifying sessions.

Jeremy Townsend, Communications Director, Groupe Renault UK, commented: “Ashley’s performances have been sublime and we very much congratulate him on his BTCC success which comes so soon after graduating from our Clio Cup championship.

“The figures speak for themselves – once more our drivers have excelled at the very highest level of British motor sport and are a reminder of the superb ability that exists in the UK Clio Cup.”

And said Renault Sport UK Motorsport Championship Manager Will Fewkes: “Like every driver to have come through our categories, Ashley will always very much be a part of the ‘Renault Sport Family’ – indeed, despite the demands of the BTCC he still remains a frequent visitor to our paddock, providing support for many young drivers in both the UK Clio Cup and our new UK Clio Cup Junior championship.

“His winning the BTCC is extremely fitting given that the UK Clio Cup has in 2017 attracted one of the most talented grids in its history. We are all immensely proud of his achievements and are already looking forward to seeing which of the next wave of Clio Cup drivers can go on and emulate his success.”