Hungaroring
The World Series by Renault’s success in Hungary continues to grow by the year. An impressive 105,000 fans flocked to the Hungaroring for a weekend of crucial races in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series, Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 and Eurocup Megane Trophy championships. On the track, Robin Frijns, Stoffel Vandoorne and Albert Costa all secured vital points in terms of their respective title bids. The fans, meanwhile, enjoyed a weekend full of great entertainment, including the stunning Red Bull Air Show, on-track Renault Trucks displays and the Red Bull Racing Renault F1 Show featuring Sébastien Buemi. The next round takes place in two weeks’ time, in France, at Paul Ricard circuit.
Jean-Pascal Dauce, competition director at Renault Sport Technologies: “The Hungarian round is a key date on the World Series by Renault calendar. It [the Hungaroring] is a Formula 1 circuit with an unusual track, one that is really different from all the others. This year, once again, Renault Hungary has shown huge commitment to the event. As well as their extensive communication efforts, many VIP guests were present. Network members and numerous clients were also invited to the meeting. Renault Trucks’ presence at the event was very well received, with on-track racing truck demonstrations, a display of the Renault Trucks range and a dedicated test centre. We also held an on-track sales promotion featuring the Dacia Lodgy and the driver Tamás Pál Kiss, a rising star in Hungary. All of this reflects the very essence of the World Series by Renault, and these events are powerful marketing and sales tools for the brand. On the track, all is still to play for. So we cannot wait to be at Paul Ricard in two weeks’ time, and Barcelona after that. The French round promises to be a major gathering for the Renault brand, with many famous names expected to attend.”
Formula Renault 3.5 Series: Robin Frijns extends championship lead
Robin Frijns put in a superb display on Saturday to become the first driver this season to claim three Formula Renault 3.5 Series victories. The 2011 Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 champion led from start to finish to win from Kevin Magnussen and Jules Bianchi – a result that substantially increased his championship lead. On Sunday, Frijns fluffed his start and allowed Kevin Magnussen to take control. The Dane seemed to be heading for his second victory in the competition, but a gearbox oil leak forced him to retire on the very last lap. Antonio Felix da Costa took full advantage and claimed the first victory of his Formula Renault 3.5 Series career. The joy in the Arden Caterham camp was plain to see as the British team, in their first season in the competition, celebrated their maiden victory. It was a good result for championship leader Robin Frijns, who leaves Hungary with a 24-point advantage over Jules Bianchi.
Race 1: 1- R.Frijns, NED (Fortec Motorsports), 2- K.Magnussen, DEN (Carlin), 3- J.Bianchi, FRA (Tech 1 Racing)
Race 2: 1- A.Felix da Costa, POR (Arden Caterham), 2- M.Sorensen, DEN (Lotus), 3- W.Steven, GBR (Carlin)
Overall standings: 1- R.Frijns, 166 pts, 2- J.Bianchi, 142 pts, 3- S.Bird, 139 pts…
Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0: Duel continues between Vandoorne and Kvyat
Stoffel Vandoorne celebrated a job well done on Saturday after recording his third victory of the season. The Belgian took advantage of the retirement of his main title rival, Daniil Kvyat, to move top of the championship standings. “Twenty-four points may seem like a lot,” said Stoffel Vandoorne, “but you mustn’t forget that Daniil Kvyat had a 27-point lead before the Nürburgring, and I finished that weekend at the top of the championship. It can all change very quickly.” The Belgian was certainly not wrong. On Sunday, Daniil Kvyat responded in perfect fashion by claiming pole position and winning race two, with Vandoorne finishing fourth. “I had no choice – I needed this victory,” said Daniil Kvyat. "The gap between me and Stoffel is slim, and it’s impossible to call. We’ll have to fight to the end. I’m going to do everything I can to win the title.”
Race 1: 1- S.Vandoorne, BEL, (Kaufmann Racing), 2- M.Pakari, FIN (Fortec Motorsports), 3- J.King, GBR (Manor MP Motorsports)
Race 2: 1- D.Kvyat, RUS (Koiranen Motorsport), 2- N.de Vries, NED (R-Ace GP), 3- N.Nato, FRA (RC Formula)
Overall standings: 1- S.Vandoorne, 183 pts, 2- D.Kvyat, 172 pts, 3- N.Nato, 95 pts…
Eurocup Megane Trophy: Albert Costa closes gap to just four points
Albert Costa gained yet more ground on championship leader Bas Schothorst by winning both races at the Hungaroring. The gap between the pair has shrunk from 32 to a mere four points, with Bas Schothorst finishing fifth in race one and fourth in race two. “It’s been the perfect weekend for me, and a great performance from the team,” Albert Costa explained. “We achieved a one-two-three finish on Sunday, with Fabien Thuner second and Kevin Gilardoni third. It’s great to have such quick team-mates. I’m still second in the championship, so I still have it all to do.”
Race 1: 1- A.Costa, ESP (Oregon Team), 2- S.Comini, SUI (Team Lompech Sport) 3- K.Gilardoni, ITA (Oregon Team)
Race 2: 1- A.Costa, 2- F.Thuner, SUI (Oregon Team), 3- K.Gilardoni
Overall standings: 1- Schothorst, 180 pts, 2- A.Costa, 176 pts, 3- K.Gilardoni, 120 pts…
Official Renault Sport Press Release.