Formula Renault 3.5: Spaniard Albert Costa leads the way

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Spanish race car driver Albert Costa set the fastest time Friday in the two collective tests of the final race of the Formula Renault 3.5 session at Barcelona.

The title will be decided this weekend between Canadian Robert Wickens , who leads the standings with a two-point advantage over Frenchman Jean-Éric Vergne.

Jean-Eric Vergne, Carlin. (Photo: Renault Sport)

Costa was quickest this morning with a time of 1'34”437. Walter Grubmuller (P1 Motorsport) was second and American Alexander Rossi (Fortec Motorsports) was third.

Canadian Robert Wickens (Carlin), who's leading the point standings, ranked 6th while his arch rival in the title chase, Jean Éric Vergne (Carlin) was 12th.

Costa was again fastest in the afternoon with a time of 1'34”268. Nick Yelloly (Pons Racing) was second and Wickens was third. Meanwhile, Vergne set the 11th fastest time.

Robert Wickens, Carlin. (Photo: Renault Sport)

“We must not change our habits for this weekend,” said Wickens.

“We must do everything the same way as it was a normal meeting. Things start to go wrong when you change the way you do things. I'm happy with the season I had. Carlin always provided us with fast race cars. I know they got us two fantastic cars for this crucial race,” Wickens added.

“I will begin this weekend with just one objective: to win the races. There's nothing else I can do,” said Vergne.