A recent track outing at the Bedford Autodrome underlined once again that this car needs learning. No fewer than three Palmersport instructors got out of the V6 muttering darkly or sniggering guiltily, having spun at the same point within two laps of going out. Although hardly claiming Schumacher-esque abilities, I was able to get the Clio out of shape and back again at the same corner (albeit with the occasional inelegant tank-slapper) on a regular basis, which I guess must be down to time in the car. However, you're always conscious that if (should that be when?) you do get it wrong you will very quickly become a not totally disinterested passenger heading rapidly towards the scene of the accident, as Martin would say.

Heading away from the track back onto public roads, the Clio felt as taut and rattle-free as ever, smoothing out the road in its usual 'big car' way, torquey V6 punching effortlessly in any gear and singing melodiously over my shoulder. A good companion on the way home.

As you may have read last month, all these high jinks have necessitated two new rear tyres at 8000 miles, but given that this has been the only outlay in approaching a year of fun and games I'm not complaining.

Shock horror. I finally persuaded the little beast to take some oil - just a sip mind. An annual service is due soon so we'll see if that throws anything up.

Finally the seemingly never ending saga of the corroding silencer box has come to a conclusion - in Renault's opinion at least. To say I'm not best pleased would be an understatement. I'll give you the full run-down next month if space allows, by which time I may have calmed down enough to write something printable since I have to say that Renault UK have dealt with both myself and my long-suffering but ever helpful dealer, SMC Woking, with all the sincerity of Tony Blair singing the praises of Cumbria while fondling a ticket to the south of France in his back pocket. Watch this space...