The Formula Renault 3.5 series, the top category of the World Series by Renault will kick off its 2013 season on the very fast circuit of Monza, Italy this weekend.
This series serves as a good training ground for future Formula 1 drivers. Leading drivers over the winter, Antonio Félix da Costa (Arden Caterham), Stoffel Vandoorne (Fortec Motorsports) and Will Stevens (P1 Motorsport), are tipped as favourites.
After racing at Motorland Aragon, the Circuit Paul Ricard and the Circuit de Catalunya, the 26 drivers entered in the FR 3.5 Series have been able to prepare a season that promises to offer a very high level of competition. This season, the single seater are fitted with a DRS, Drag Reduction system similar to what’s used in F1.
After winning four races last year, Antonio Félix da Costa is considered as the top favourite. If he had not missed the first three meetings of the 2012 season, the Portuguese driver might well have prevented the title-deciding clash between Robin Frijns and Jules Bianchi. This time, the Arden Caterham driver will be present right from the kick-off.
His opponent, Stoffel Vandoorne has the right cards to replay Robin Frijns’ exploit. Like the Dutchman, Stoffel is the reigning Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 champion. Thanks to the €500 000 prize that came with the title, he has been able to climb up to the next level under the best possible conditions, inheriting the seat of the standing champion.
Since these two drivers monopolised most of the best times this winter, they deserve their position at the top of the list. The most experienced drivers who could determine the outcome of the race include Will Stevens, Nico Müller (International Draco Racing), Kevin Magnussen (Dams), Marco Sørensen (Lotus), Daniil Move (SMP Racing by Comtec), Arthur Pic (AV Formula) and André Negrão (International Draco Racing), who all set foot on the podium in 2012.
Amongst the newcomers, we must watch out for Norman Nato (Dams), who took 4th position in the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0. Formerly F2, F3 GP3 drivers, Jazeman Jaafar (Carlin), Matias Laine (P1 Motorsport), Christopher Zanella and Sergey Sirotkin (ISR) will be the other contenders for "best rookie".
This series serves as a good training ground for future Formula 1 drivers. Leading drivers over the winter, Antonio Félix da Costa (Arden Caterham), Stoffel Vandoorne (Fortec Motorsports) and Will Stevens (P1 Motorsport), are tipped as favourites.
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| Mikhail Aleshin. (Photo: Renault Sport) |
After racing at Motorland Aragon, the Circuit Paul Ricard and the Circuit de Catalunya, the 26 drivers entered in the FR 3.5 Series have been able to prepare a season that promises to offer a very high level of competition. This season, the single seater are fitted with a DRS, Drag Reduction system similar to what’s used in F1.
After winning four races last year, Antonio Félix da Costa is considered as the top favourite. If he had not missed the first three meetings of the 2012 season, the Portuguese driver might well have prevented the title-deciding clash between Robin Frijns and Jules Bianchi. This time, the Arden Caterham driver will be present right from the kick-off.
His opponent, Stoffel Vandoorne has the right cards to replay Robin Frijns’ exploit. Like the Dutchman, Stoffel is the reigning Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 champion. Thanks to the €500 000 prize that came with the title, he has been able to climb up to the next level under the best possible conditions, inheriting the seat of the standing champion.
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| Kevin Magnussen. (Photo: Renault Sport) |
Since these two drivers monopolised most of the best times this winter, they deserve their position at the top of the list. The most experienced drivers who could determine the outcome of the race include Will Stevens, Nico Müller (International Draco Racing), Kevin Magnussen (Dams), Marco Sørensen (Lotus), Daniil Move (SMP Racing by Comtec), Arthur Pic (AV Formula) and André Negrão (International Draco Racing), who all set foot on the podium in 2012.
Amongst the newcomers, we must watch out for Norman Nato (Dams), who took 4th position in the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0. Formerly F2, F3 GP3 drivers, Jazeman Jaafar (Carlin), Matias Laine (P1 Motorsport), Christopher Zanella and Sergey Sirotkin (ISR) will be the other contenders for "best rookie".