Wicklow native,  David Dickenson will make a return to the Renault UK Clio Cup grid in 2016 as part of reigning champion outfit Team Pyro's driver line-up.

Dickenson contested the championship in 2008 and 2009 for the Mardi Gras squad before several seasons competing on the Italian and European Clio Cup scenes with Pyro. Back in Britain he then finished a strong runner-up in the club-level Clio Cup Series with Pyro in 2014.

Dickenson, who now lives in Hackney, London commented: "I'm really looking forward to being back on the UK Clio Cup grid. I've raced various Clio Cup-spec cars over the past seven years and love them and Pyro are a great bunch.

"I had some quite good results when I was in the Eurocup and Italy and again in the Clio Cup Series so I'd hope I can come in and be inside the top six with a chance of a few podium results too. On saying that I know how difficult it is and the quality of drivers coming into the UK Clio Cup this season in particular is extremely high."

Already announced as Pyro drivers in 2016's UK Clio Cup are returning 2014 Champion Mike Bushell (Tunbridge Wells) and 17-year-old former karting ace Josh Price (Redbourn).

Pyro Team Principal Mark Hunt said: "We've built a very good relationship with David and seen him develop really well as a driver against some strong opposition. With Mike and Josh among his team-mates, I am sure his competitive nature will help him achieve his strongest performances yet in 2016. I can see him being in with a real chance of podiums as the season progresses."

Will Fewkes, Renaultsport's UK Motorsport Championship Manager, added: "It's very nice to hear that David is making a return and, that after competing in Clio Cup Italy and the Eurocup Clio series, he has been won over by the lure of the UK Clio Cup. I am sure he will quickly make an impression."

All of the UK Clio Cup's races in 2016 will take place at the Dunlop British Touring Car Championship's high-profile events - meaning huge trackside crowds and live television coverage on ITV4. The first of those events takes place at Brands Hatch in Kent (Sat 2/Sun 3 April).