Formula Renault 2.0
Oliver Rowland (Manor MP Motorsport) held off a sustained challenge from championship rival Pierre Gasly (Tech 1 Racing) in Austria to record his third win of the season. Ed Jones (Fortec Motorsports) claimed his second podium of the weekend at the Red Bull Ring, finishing third after an intense and competitive race.
Oliver Rowland claimed his maiden pole position with a fastest lap of 1:29.496. The British driver qualified ahead of Pierre Gasly, Ed Jones, Alexander Albon (KTR) and Aurélien Panis (Prema Powerteam).
After the lights went out, championship leader Rowland held his lead convincingly from Pierre Gasly, Ed Jones, Alexander Albon and Oscar Tunjo (Josef Kaufmann Racing). Roman Mavlanov (RC Formula) went into the pits after contact with Aurélien Panis, causing him to slip back to eighth place. And on lap four, Alexander Albon passed Ed Jones to move up to third.
Pierre Gasly and Alexander Albon piled pressure on Oliver Rowland on lap six. But it was to no avail, and the Briton only stretched his lead further. Behind them, in a tight chasing pack, ten drivers battled it out, going three-cars wide at some points on the Red Bull Ring.
Despite Pierre Gasly’s best efforts, Oliver Rowland held strong to take the victory. Ed Jones secured another podium finish, followed by Jake Dennis (Fortec Motorsports) and Lotus F1 Junior Team pair Alexander Albon and Oscar Tunjo. Luca Ghiotto (Prema Powerteam), Ignazio D’Agosto (KTR), Levin Amweg (Jenzer Motorsport) and Steijn Schothorst (Josef Kaufmann Racing) completed the top 10.
What they said
Oliver Rowland: "Qualifying was fantastic, and the car was incredible. We had a bit of difficulty during the race, mainly with our grip when braking. I’d say it was one of the toughest races of my career. The other drivers were right behind me all the time, pushing me to the limit. I was very happy to see the chequered flag!"
Pierre Gasly: "It was essential for me to stay close to Oliver. The race was tough. I tried to overtake a few times, but I was never close enough. Still, second place is a good result for the championship and I’ll try to get the better of Oliver in the coming races."
Ed Jones: "It’s been a big step forward for us this weekend, compared with previous rounds. It was quite a tricky race to manage, as we were constantly gaining and losing places."
Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 – provisional championship standings: 1. O. Rowland 119; 2. P. Gasly 102; 3. J. Dennis 76; 4. E. Ocon 71; 5. O. Tunjo 65 [...]
Official Renault Sport Press Release.