Formula Renault 3.5
With half of the season gone, two drivers are in control at the top of the Formula Renault 3.5 Series standings. Belgium’s Stoffel Vandoorne (Fortec Motorsports) leads with 136 points, while Kevin Magnussen (DAMS), his Danish rival and McLaren Driver Development Programme colleague, is second on 133.
Stoffel Vandoorne has been in superb form since June, racking up four victories in nine races, including a current run of three straight wins. The Belgian averages more than 15 points per race, and continues to grow in stature. But with six podiums in nine races, Kevin Magnussen is a consistent performer and remains an equally strong candidate for the title.
Antonio Felix da Costa (Arden Caterham), third, currently trails the championship leader by 47 points. The Red Bull Junior Team driver won at Monza and took two podiums at Spa-Francorchamps, but he has failed to score points three times and will need a strong run of results if he is to close the gap.
Will Stevens (P1 by Strakka Racing), Nico Müller (International Draco Racing), Nigel Melker (Tech 1 Racing) and Arthur Pic (AV Formula) have all been solid so far. Like Da Costa, they will all be hoping to make an impression and show their potential in the second half of the season.
A famously fast circuit, the Red Bull Ring will allow the drivers to feel the full force of the Formula Renault 3.5. Sergey Sirotkin (ISR), Marco Sorensen (Lotus), Carlos Huertas (Carlin), Andre Negrao (International Draco Racing), Christopher Zanella (ISR), Oliver Webb (Fortec Motorsports), Jazeman Jaafar (Carlin) and Norman Nato (DAMS) are all way off the pace in the championship, but will nonetheless be determined to make an impact.
Race 1: Saturday 20 July, 14:30 (local time)
Race 2: Sunday 21 July, 14:30 (local time)
Official Renault Sport Press Release.