iRace Professional programme in Formula Renault 3.5

World Series by Renault  Motorland Aragón (5-6/05/2012)

The 2012 World Series by Renault kicked off this weekend on the Motorland Aragon circuit in Spain. The second day went off better for the four drivers who are part of the iRace Professional programme. In the Formula Renault 3.5 Series, Estonian Kevin Korjus (Tech 1 Racing) finished just outside the podium, while New Zealander Richie Stanaway’s first weekend in the championship yielded a points finish.


In the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup Columbian Oscar Tunjo set pole and finished second. Frenchman Esteban Ocon also made a big impression with a top-5 finish in Sunday’s race.



Kevin Korjus (EST)

Formula Renault 3.5 Series - Tech 1 Racing
Qualifying 1: 3rd - Race 1: retired
Qualifying 2: 4th - Race 2: 7th
Championship standing: 7th / 12 points         
 

“After retiring due to a collision at the start of the first race I needed to score points on Sunday. I was in a comfortable third place, but Pic was quicker than me in the closing laps and I didn’t want to take any risks that could have led to another non-scoring finish.


I’m a bit disappointed at not having brought home more points this weekend, although I’m happy with my good qualifying performance and having bagged points that could prove very precious at the end of the season. We’re going to continue working to be in a better position to win: why not in the next race in Monaco?”




Richie Stanaway (NZL)

Formula Renault 3.5 Series - Lotus
Qualifying 1: 4th - Race 1: retired
Qualifying 2: 11th - Race 2: 6th
Championship standing: 11th / 8 points       
 
 
“My first race never even began as my car stalled on the grid and another driver ran into me! On Sunday, I made a good getaway and I managed to avoid the first-corner pile-up. I made a few mistakes early on, but the team carried out a good pit stop and I rejoined well placed.


The car lacked a little speed. It wasn’t the easiest of races and I’m happy to have finished in the points. I enjoyed my first weekend in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series. It’s a very high-quality championship and I think I’m going to learn a lot this season.”




Oscar Tunjo (COL)

Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 - Tech 1 Racing
Qualifying 1: 8th - Race 1: retired
Qualifying 2: 1st - Race 2: 2nd
Championship standing: 4th / 18 points         
 

“Obviously, finishing second after starting from pole is disappointing. Although I made a good getaway I lost traction in the second corner and Kvyat got through on the inside. I was then capable of matching his pace until the car’s handling started to go off, so I decided to make sure of second place. I’m happy to be on the podium. We’ll have to continue like that in the coming meetings. We’re determined to win and we’ll work hard to achieve this aim.”



Esteban Ocon (FRA)

Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 - Koiranen Bros
Qualifying 1: 32nd - Race 1: 19th
Qualifying 2: 7th - Race 2: 5th
Championship standing: 8th / 10 points         



“I’m fairly satisfied with fifth for my first weekend in the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup. I qualified seventh but I fluffed my start and fell back two places. I then fought my way back setting times like those of the leaders, which bodes well for the future. I learned a lot this weekend and I feel really confident. In all sincerity, I think I’ll soon be on the podium. It’ll be my aim at the next round on the Spa-Francorchamps circuit!”




  About iRace Professional


iRace professional is the result of collaboration between Gravity Sports Management and the Lotus F1 Team, and it is working to pick out and train the Kimi Raïkkönens and Romain Grosjeans of tomorrow. The career of the drivers joining this motor sport academy is looked after by Gravity Sports Management.


They are integrated into the heart of the Lotus F1 Team and benefit from all the support and preparation required to make progress. In addition to the drivers’ schooling, the training includes driving sessions on simulators, a physical and mental preparation programme plus communications and public relations training.


 Five drivers are carrying the iRace Professional colours in 2012: Kevin Korjus and Richie Stanaway in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series, Oscar Tunjo and Esteban Ocon in the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup, and Dorian Boccolacci in international kart racing.



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