World Series by Renault
They've competed at every level of motorsport, all the way up to F1. And this weekend, at Paul Ricard, they've come together to celebrate their art. Alain Prost, David Coulthard and Charles Pic, three drivers from three different generations – and all of them powered by Renault Sport F1 engines during their careers – are at the French circuit to share their passion with the crowds.
Of all the drivers competing in the 2013 F1 season, 62% rose through Renault Sport's flagship series. The World Series by Renault is fully committed to a programme to help drivers reach the pinnacle of motorsport. And F1, likewise, plays an important part in WSR's success, with Infiniti Red Bull Racing and Lotus F1 Team both present this weekend at Paul Ricard.
Alain Prost: the ambassador
"The World Series by Renault is part of France's, and Renault's, motorsport heritage," said Alain Prost, a four-time F1 World Champion. "It's a particularly important event. The Formula Renault 3.5 Series has helped many drivers towards F1. I talk about it often with [FIA President] Jean Todt, among many others."
Just like the drivers on the grid today, Alain Prost honed his racing skills in Formula Renault – before completing his first F1 test drive at Paul Ricard. So he knows better than most the importance of Renault's series.
David Coulthard: the international star
A few months after Alain Prost took his fourth world title, a young David Coulthard took his first steps in F1 with Williams-Renault. The Scot's first 25 grands prix were powered by Renault, and yielded one victory. And like Prost, Coulthard finished his career in a car boasting a Renault engine, driving for Red Bull Racing in 2007 and 2008. This weekend he's back behind the wheel for the Infiniti Red Bull Racing F1 Show: "It's always incredible to get back in an F1 car – especially an F1 world championship-winning car. But I’m not trying to push it to the limit. I try to stay focused and do my best to delight the crowd. They're the reason we're here. My job is to put on a great show. It's a pleasure to drive in front of such enthusiastic supporters."
Charles Pic: the WSR veteran
Charles Pic knows the World Series by Renault inside-out. Indeed, the Caterham F1 Team driver spent three seasons in the series. In 2007 he finished third in the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0, before coming sixth in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series in 2008, then third in the same competition in 2009. Pic made his F1 debut last year with Marussia, before joining the Renault-powered Caterham F1 Team.
"They [the Eurocup FR 2.0 and FR 3.5 Series] are two championships that help train young drivers," Pic explained. "As well as providing the skills and technical knowledge drivers must learn before joining F1, the World Series by Renault is also a celebration. I remember it having a real family feel. You can watch races, go to workshops with your children, learn about the Renault range... It's all very accessible, with a comprehensive programme. Everyone who attends has a great time."
Pic follows the Formula Renault 3.5 Series with interest – even more so, perhaps, than Alain Prost and David Coulthard – as his younger brother currently competes in the competition. "Since I left the World Series by Renault, I've continued to follow the results," he said. "I try to watch all the races. When I can't be there in person, I always try to follow it on the computer. Arthur is experiencing something new this season, in a team making its debut. It's an experience that will benefit the rest of his career."
Jules Bianchi , who finished second in last year's Formula Renault 3.5 Series and now drives for Marussia F1 Team, will also be at Paul Ricard today.
Official Renault Sport Press Release.