Clio Cup ace Rivett to make competitive jet-ski racing debut in Aqua X

Multiple AirAsia Renault UK Clio Cup title winner Paul Rivett is to dovetail his commitments in the prestigious Michelin-backed category with a motor racing challenge of a different kind, the 33-year-old having confirmed his participation in the 2012 P1 Aqua X offshore jet-ski championship!

Rivett, who could probably have used a jet-ski quite effectively at the soaking wet Thruxton over the weekend during the latest instalment of the Clio Cup, will pilot a 260hp Sea-Doo RXP-X in P1 Aqua X which is the UK’s only jet-ski series which takes place on the sea rather than inland water parks.

Having been a jet-ski enthusiast for many years, the opportunity to actually compete on the water for the first time has been made possible thanks to leading manufacturer Sea-Doo and P1 Aqua X Championship Manager Lisa Barsby.

Although circuit racing remains Rivett’s priority, as does winning an unprecedented fourth main season Clio Cup title, he can’t wait to get his first taste of Aqua X. The Surrey sportsman is also thought to be the only British driver to ever attempt winning car racing and jet-ski championships in the same year.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to do something I’ve never had the chance to do before now”, he said, “I’ve always loved jet-skis, I had my own stand-up craft for five or six years but this is the first time I’ll have ever actually raced one on the sea. Hopefully I can be competitive – I’m absolutely determined to be near the front.

“I have to say a big thank you to Lisa [Barsby] and everyone at P1 and Sea-Doo for making this a reality. I also need to say a massive thank you to Colin [Stancombe – Rivett’s Clio Cup team principal] and my Clio Cup sponsor Matthew Munson and Per Hire, they’ve given their blessing for me to do this for which I’m very grateful.”

Round one of the 2012 P1 Aqua X Championship takes place on 19/20 May in Plymouth Sound while the next two rounds of the AirAsia Renault UK Clio Cup will be on 9/10 June at Oulton Park.

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