Formula Renault 3.5
Lotus Renault GP revealed the name of the three drivers for next week’s Abu Dhabi young driver test. The Enstone-based team has chosen three Formula Renault 3.5 Series’ drivers, Robert Wickens (champion), Kevin Korjus and Jan Charouz.
Wickens, Formula Renault 3.5 champion, will be behind the wheel of the Lotus Renault R31 because of his title this year. He’s also a Marussia Virgin Racing driver and have the opportunity to drive the MVR-02 during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Friday practice. “I’m really excited - I think it’s every kid’s dream to drive a Formula One car. I can’t wait to drive the Lotus Renault on Tuesday; I have been waiting a long time. Obviously I’m confident having won the Formula Renault 3.5 Championship; that was a big achievement for me and it just proves to myself I’m capable of doing something like this. I feel like I’m ready for Formula One and I think driving the car in Abu Dhabi will be kind of a true test. All year, my goal in World Series was to win the championship and to get this drive, so hopefully I can make the most of the opportunity and put in some competitive lap times.”
Korjus, Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 2010 champion and Gravity Academy member, is a rising talent. The Estonian, 18, won three races this year in Formula Renault 3.5 Series, becoming the youngest driver to win a race in the series. “It’s the most exciting moment of my life and now, as it’s only a few days left, I’m really looking forward to it. I will be driving on the Wednesday and I’m very much looking forward to this event. It will be such a huge experience for me. I was in Enstone last week to ensure my seat and meet all the guys, and I also learned a little bit about the steering wheel because there are so many patterns - it was a lot to take in. I also talked with the engineers about what we are going to do in Abu Dhabi. It will be my first ever time in a F1 car and my first time in the Emirate. Everything is new for me and it’s extremely exciting to learn about it. I’m ready to get in the car.”
Charouz, 24, is a Lotus Renault GP reserve drivers. This year, he scored some points with Charouz-Gravity team. “I’m very excited to go to Abu Dhabi; it is a great opportunity to get some mileage in the R31 this year. I have been doing some driving but nothing in this year’s car yet, so I’m very excited to do that and also to work with the race team.”
Official Renault Sport Press Release.