Formula Renault 1.6: a first step towards Formula 1 31.01.2014: For more than years, Renault Sport has developed single seaters and organized

For more than years, Renault Sport has developed single seaters and organized competition to help drivers reach the summit of motor racing. In 2014, a new programme based on the Formula Renault 1.6 will facilitate access to the next levels.


At the end of the season, a Formula Renault 2.0 will be offered to the winner of a selection process among the best drivers from each national championship.


This year, Formula Renault 1.6 will be in action across Europe with the Formula Renault 1.6 ALPS Junior, Formula Renault 1.6 North European Junior Cup and Formula Renault 1.6 Nordic championships. A fourth series will soon be launched.


Formula Renault 1.6 ALPS Junior will allow new drivers to make their single seater debut with an international schedule. This series will be run in conjunction with the Formula Renault 2.0 ALPS with a Mediterranean geographical base, including two rounds with the World Series by Renault at Motorland and Paul Ricard.


Launched in 2013, the Formula Renault 1.6 North European Junior Cup will be based on the programme that is been in place for several years in Formula Renault 2.0 NEC. The races will be held in Holland, Belgium and Germany, with two rounds held on the same weekend as the World Series by Renault at Spa-Franchorchamps and the Nürburgring.


Integrated into the prestigious STCC, the Formula Renault 1.6 Nordic Championship offers new possibilities for drivers from Sweden, a new country to single seater competition. On three occasions, the FIA North European Zone Championship will be incorporated with race meetings organized by Renault Sport.


The big news for 2014 is the invitation of the top two from each series to a selection event to be held in November. A panel will award the winner a Formula Renault 2.0 with which he will enter in one of the 2015 Renault Sport championships.


“Renault Sport offers a racing ladder to progress in single-seaters“, says Renault Sport Technologies sporting coordinator, Benoit Dupont.


“Whether coming from karting or starting out directly in an automobile, young drivers will have a real tool to learn their craft with the Formula Renault 1.6. These series’ are also very attractive for amateurs who want to compete against up and coming drivers for a price unequalled in open-wheel racing. Depending on the championship, the cost of a season will range from 60 to 90,000 Euros.


With this new programme, Renault Sport returns to its roots when Formula Renault 2.0 evolved in national championships.”


“After Formula Renault 1.6, drivers can then move on to Formula Renault 2.0. A new involvement as an engine supplier in Formula 3 offers an intermediate step towards Formula Renault 3.5. The World Series by Renault headliner category is unanimously known to be the logical next step towards Formula 1, where Renault is also involved as the engine supplier to the Red Bull Racing, Lotus, Scuderia Toro Rosso and Caterham teams.”




Calendars

Formula Renault 1.6 ALPS Junior*

27 April – Motorland
25 May – Red Bull Ring
6 July – Monza
7 September – Mugello
28 September – Paul Ricard
*Subject to validation by the FIA



Formula Renault 1.6 Nordic

4 May – Karlskoga
18 May – Botniaring (FIA NEZ)
25 May– Tierp Arena
13 July – Falkenberg
10 August – Parnu (FIA NEZ)
24 August – Ring Knutstorp
7 September – Solvalla
24 September – Mantorp Park (FIA NEZ)



Formula Renault 1.6 NEC Junior

20 April – Zandvoort
1 June – Spa
13 July – Nürburgring*
3 August – Assen
31 August – Zolder
5 October – Spa
19 October – Zandvoort


*To be confirmed



The Car

Signatech Carbon-fiber tub Single-seater meeting 2008 FIA F3 safety standards. Renault K4M RS 1/6l engine with 140bhp @6750 rpm. Total weight dry: 485kg. Five-speed sequential gearbox. Electronic accelerator and Cosworth Electronics data acquisition. Price: €42,000 +tax.


- Blanca de Foronda - photo Renault