Daniel de Jong on song
After impressing during Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 collective testing organized at Motorland Aragón a few weeks ago, Daniel de Jong (MP Motorsport) confirmed his good form here today, claiming the best times in both sessions. This is an auspicious start to the season for the Dutch driver and he will be hoping to stay on song in qualifying tomorrow morning.
Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 got the new World Series by Renault season underway this morning, at the Motorland Aragón circuit. The Tech 1 Racing team made its track debut in Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0, while British driver Jordan Oakes joined the ranks of One Racing for this first leg of the season. Aaro Vainio (Tech 1 Racing), however, had to miss out. The Finnish driver was left stranded by the air traffic blackout caused by the volcanic eruption in Iceland. He is having to travel all the way down to Motorland Aragón by car and should arrive just in time for qualifying!
After a few warm-up laps, drivers got down to business in session 1. The early pace-setters were Epsilon Euskadi drivers, Miguel Otegui, Alex Riberas and Genis Olivé. Daniel de Jong and Luciano Bacheta (Interwetten.com) proceeded to take their turn at the top of the timing screens. The leadership changed hands again when Giovanni Venturini (Epsilon Euskadi) drove a provisional fastest lap in 1’57’’488.
Many drivers took to the track again for a final attempt as the end of the session neared. Luciano Bacheta and Arthur Pic (Tech 1 Racing) fought it out for the top spot. But in the end it was Daniel de Jong who had the last word. With a lap time of 1’57’’005, the Dutch driver took first place ahead of Miki Weckstrom (Koiranen Bros Motorsport), Arthur Pic (Tech 1 Racing), Luciano Bacheta and Genis Olivé.
The second session got underway with a spate of long runs. Kevin Korjus (Koiranen Bros Motorsport) led the way, ahead of Daniel de Jong and André Negrao (Cram Compétition), before Daniel Mancinelli and Arthur Pic joined the fight. Daniel de Jong and Kevin Korjus took turns to improve the best time and alternated in the lead several times. Just like in the morning session, Daniel de Jong eventually pulled out the best time, lapping in1’56’’296. The MP Motorsport driver finished ahead of Kevin Korjus, Miki Weckstrom, Daniel Mancinelli and Arthur Pic. All drivers now impatiently await the first qualifying session and then the first race of the season, tomorrow morning.
Quote, unquote:
Daniel de Jong: “Psychologically, it’s very good to start out like this, with the fastest time from both sessions. The goal today was mainly to get some good, consistent laps under my belt, without too much pressure. We’ve got a good overall balance. Now there's everything to play for. We're looking forward to tomorrow!”
Daniel Mancinelli: “During pre-season collective testing we were quick everywhere except here at Motorland Aragón. It’s looking better today, but there’s still work to do. As far as I’m concerned, there's still some indecision about this season, so the outcome of this weekend will be pretty important.”
Arthur Pic: “After the events of the last few days, we’re just happy all to be here with Tech 1 Racing and really pleased to see that things are working out today. Personally, I made an error that cost me a little bit of time in my last run. But we’re here and we’re ready.”
Official Renault Sport Press Release