Formula Renault 3.5
The third round of the World Series by Renault, held at the Nürburgring circuit in Germany, attracted 72,000 spectators in two days. The Red Bull Racing F1 demonstration, delivered by Sébastien Buemi, was once again a great success, and the German public was able to enjoy a weekend full of action-packed racing. The World Series by Renault is not leaving the Nürburgring right away, however, as the teams will remain on site for a day of work before preparing to head to Russia for the next round of the all-Renault racing series.
Régis Fricotté, communications director at Renault Sport Technologies: “The German subsidiary has once again invested a huge amount in the event, with an effective communication plan and new, original activities, particularly with regards to safety and the quality of Renault products. With 72,000 spectators attending in two days, despite the inclement weather on Sunday, their efforts have been rewarded. More than 200 dealers were also invited to the event. This is therefore a World Series by Renault round that works well, and a circuit that is enjoyed by drivers and spectators in equal measure. Here more than elsewhere, a large portion of the crowd is made up of enthusiasts who are attracted, first and foremost, by the races. From a racing point of view, it is satisfying to see Robin Frijns, winner of the 2011 Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0, level on points with Sam Bird at the top of the Formula Renault 3.5 Series. Robin has used the €500,000 award put in place by Renault Sport Technologies to compete at the higher level this season. He has earned the right to drive in one of the Red Bull Racing F1 demonstrations in Moscow, during the next round of the World Series by Renault. This first round in Russia is an important event for us all.”
Formula Renault 3.5 Series: Sam Bird and Robin Frijns tied at the top
A Formula One drive was the prize at stake this weekend, with the championship leader at the end of the Nürburgring meeting invited to take the wheel of the RB6 during the Red Bull Racing F1 demonstration at Moscow Raceway. After finishing third on Saturday and fifth on Sunday, Robin Frijns leaves Germany level on points with Sam Bird at the top of the standings. But with Bird already a member of Mercedes AMG F1 Team, Frijns was chosen to drive the RB6 in Russia. “We were in really great form this weekend, as proved by my first pole position, which is a special achievement. It’s a huge opportunity to be able to take the wheel of a world championship-winning F1 car, and it will be my very first experience in F1. But I must not forget the championship. I need keep working hard, as there’s still a long way to go,” said the 2011 Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 champion. Jules Bianchi also put his title challenge back on course by recording his first victory in the discipline on Saturday, while on Sunday, Nick Yelloly played the unpredictable weather conditions to perfection to become the first driver this season to win two races.
Race 1: 1- J.Bianchi, FRA (Tech 1 Racing), 2- N.Müller, SWI (Draco) 3- R.Frijns, NED (Fortec Motorsports)
Race 2: 1- N.Yelloly, GBR (Comtec Racing), 2- M.Sorensen, DEN (Lotus), 3- A.Negrao, BRA (Draco)
Overall standings: 1- S.Bird et R.Frijns, 86 pts, 3- N.Yelloly, 76 pts, 4- M.Sorensen, 71 pts…
Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0: Stoffel Vandoorne proves untouchable
Having dominated in the Formula Renault 2.0 NEC on this very circuit last week, Stoffel Vandoorne delivered a repeat performance this weekend. The Belgian, a member of the RACB National Team, achieved his first race victory in the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 on Saturday after claiming his first pole position. On Sunday, Vandoorne started race two on slick tyres while the track was still damp. But it proved to be a wise move, as he went on to take his second win in a row and move top of the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 standings. “You can’t do better than two poles and two victories,” said Vandoorne. “I love getting to know new circuits, so I can’t wait to be at Moscow Raceway.”
Race 1: 1- S.Vandoorne, BEL (Kaufmann Racing), 2- N.Nato, FRA (RC Formula), 3- PL.Chatin, FRA (Tech1)
Race 2 : 1- S.Vandoorne, 2- M.McKee, GBR (Interwetten.com Racing), 3- P.Gasly, FRA (R-Ace GP)
Overall standings: 1- S.Vandoorne, 110 pts, 2- D.Kvyat, 97 pts, 3- N.Nato, 70 pts…
Eurocup Megane Trophy: Albert Costa’s season begins
Albert Costa’s up-and-down start to the season is now a distant memory. On Saturday, the Spaniard won the first race of his saloon-car career with a dominant display. “I joined this competition from the Formula Renault 3.5 Series, so everyone thought I was going to stroll to the title. But it’s not like that. I’ve had to get to know the car and spend lots of time working with Oregon Team, as this is a really competitive discipline,” said Costa, who won the 2009 Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 and finished fourth in the 2011 Formula Renault 3.5 Series. The rain threw Sunday’s race wide open, and despite an incident-filled final lap, Bas Schothorst managed to emerge victorious. With a 49-point lead at the top of the championship standings, the Dutchman will no doubt be feeling optimistic about the rest of the season.
Race 1: 1- A.Costa, ESP (Oregon Team), 2- F.Thuner, SWI (Oregon Team), 3- B.Schothorst, NED (TDS Racing)
Race 2: 1- B.Schothorst, 2- A.Costa, 3- T.Bossy, FRA (Team Lompech Sport)
Overall standings: 1- Schothorst, 140 pts, 2- A.Costa, 91 pts, 3- K.Gilardoni, 66 pts…
Eurocup Clio: Marc Guillot signs off for summer break in style
The Eurocup Clio field was once again the most action-packed. After Marc Guillot went off the track in Saturday’s race, it was a four-way battle for victory. Oscar Nogues got to the chequered flag first to win the race from Mike Verschuur and Simone di Luca. For the Spaniard, winner of the Clio Cup Italy in 2011, this was a first taste of victory in the Eurocup Clio. On Sunday, Guillot returned to winning ways by dominating from start to finish in the race that marked the midway point of the season. The Frenchman now has plenty of time to think about the rest of the season, as the Eurocup Clio does not resume until the Paul Ricard round in late September. “The Eurocup Clio is a very competitive discipline. We’re at the halfway stage and I’m in the lead, which is perfect. But at Paul Ricard and then Barcelona, it could all change,” said the Eurocup Clio championship leader.
Race 1: 1- O.Nogues, ESP (Rangoni Motorsport), 2- M.Verschuur, NED (Equipe Verschuur), 3- S.di Luca ITA (Rangoni Motorsport)
Race 2: 1- M. Guillot, FRA (Milan Compétition), 2- O.Nogues, 3-M.Verschuur
Overall standings: 1- M.Guillot, 73 pts, 2- M.Verschuur, 58 pts, 3- O. Nogues, 53 pts…
Official Renault Sport Press Release.